Round 23 Review – NPL Men’s NSW
Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 23 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition.
SD Raiders FC 1 v Blacktown City 3 @ Ernie Smith Reserve
Blacktown City FC continued their fight against relegation with a crucial 3-1 victory over SD Raiders FC at Ernie Smith Reserve. Travis Major opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Caleb Jackson-Brown doubled the visitors’ advantage before half-time. Substitute Mihael Marcic pulled one back for the Raiders early in the second half, but Nicholas O’Brien sealed the result with a well-worked team goal to secure three valuable points for Mark Crittenden’s side.
Manly United 2 v Sutherland Sharks 1 @ Cromer Park
Manly United FC produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Sutherland Sharks FC 2-1 at Cromer Park. Nicholas Olsen’s second-half penalty looked set to hand the Sharks a fourth straight victory before Darcy Burgess levelled the scores in the 81st minute. Substitute Ayumu Kimura then stole the headlines with a moment of individual brilliance, producing a sublime first touch before calmly finishing the match-winning goal six minutes from time to extend Manly’s unbeaten run to five matches.
Sydney Olympic FC 3-2 Wollongong Wolves FC @ Belmore Sports Ground
Sydney Olympic FC kept their survival hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wollongong Wolves FC at Belmore Sports Ground. Sebastian Kukucka starred for the Blues, opening the scoring before producing a dazzling run that included two nutmegs to set up Kaan Nizam’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time after the Wolves had fought back through Lachlan Scott and Hugo Cornish. Daniel Wong netted the decisive goal midway through the second half following a chaotic goalmouth scramble, while goalkeeper Filip Kurto produced a crucial late save to help Olympic secure three invaluable points and move to within one point of St George FC in the battle to avoid relegation.
NWS Spirit FC 3 v St George FC 1 @ Christie Park
NWS Spirit FC boosted their Finals Series hopes with a composed 3-1 victory over St George FC at Christie Park. Callum Kealy opened the scoring with his first goal of the season before an unfortunate own goal from Aiden Mostofi levelled proceedings just before the break. Spirit responded through Riku Kobayashi early in the second half before Mostofi redeemed himself by sealing the result in stoppage time, moving the reigning Premiers to within three points of the top six.
APIA Leichhardt FC 2 v Sydney FC 1 @ Leichhardt Oval
APIA Leichhardt FC ended their three-match losing streak with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval to remain firmly in the Premiership race. Jack Stewart gave the hosts the lead late in the first half before substitute Michael Konestabo doubled the advantage after capitalising on a defensive error. Sydney FC debutant Joshua Brazete scored late to set up a tense finish, but APIA’s experience shone through as they held on for a valuable three points to move within one point of league leaders Marconi Stallions.
St George City 0 v UNSW FC 2 @ Penshurst Park
UNSW FC claimed a vital 2-0 away victory over St George City in Round 23 of the NPL Men’s NSW competition, securing their first road win of the season and moving temporarily clear of the relegation zone. First-half goals from Alexander Malfara and Oliver Puflett gave the visitors control, despite St George threatening after the break, with goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast and defender Grant Lynch making crucial interventions to preserve the clean sheet. The result strengthens UNSW’s survival hopes while increasing pressure on St George City in the battle near the bottom of the table.
Sydney United 58 v Rockdale Ilinden @ Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 claimed a crucial three points in a tightly contested top-four battle against Rockdale Ilinden, with Tomoki Wada’s stunning free-kick proving the difference in a 1-0 victory. After both sides created chances in an entertaining contest, Wada’s set-piece brilliance separated the teams and extended United 58’s strong run of form as they remain firmly in contention for a top-two finish heading into the final stages of the season.
Marconi v WSW @ Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions strengthened their grip on top spot in the NPL Men’s NSW competition with a dominant 3-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at Marconi Stadium. First-half goals from Franco Maya and captain Marko Jesic gave the league leaders control before golden boot contender Damien Tsekenis sealed the result with his 15th goal of the season. The win keeps Marconi four points clear at the summit as they prepare for the Traditional Derby against Sydney United 58.
