Raiders Stun Stallions As Premiership Race Takes Dramatic Twist

SD Raiders FC have produced one of the biggest results of the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW season, coming from behind to defeat Marconi Stallions FC 2-1 at Ernie Smith Reserve on Saturday evening.

The victory delivered a major blow to Marconi’s Premiership hopes, with the Stallions losing top spot following the result. APIA Leichhardt FC’s 4-1 victory over UNSW FC has now lifted them two points clear at the summit, putting them in control of the race for the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW Premiership with five rounds remaining.

Marconi entered the contest looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table, but SD Raiders produced a determined second-half comeback to secure a famous three points.

The hosts created the first opportunity of the match, with Noah Chianese producing a superb ball for Martin Fernandez, who attempted to chip Marconi goalkeeper Joel Wade but could not find the target.

Chianese continued to threaten, finding space inside the penalty area shortly after, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Marconi opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Franco Maya. The winger showed great determination to win possession before calmly curling the ball into an empty net to give the Stallions the lead.

The visitors pushed for a second goal, with a well-weighted ball over the top finding Damien Tsekenis, whose effort drifted wide.

Captain Marko Jesic continued to create opportunities from set pieces, delivering a free-kick that found Cameron Windust inside the box, but the defender could only head wide.

Jesic came close himself moments later, curling another free-kick narrowly past the left post as Marconi looked to extend their advantage.

SD Raiders looked to threaten from their own set pieces, with Chianese delivering two dangerous corners that were dealt with by the Stallions defence.

Marconi almost doubled their lead in the 65th minute when James Bayliss delivered a dangerous ball into the area. Windust’s effort struck the post before rebounding off Raiders goalkeeper Michael Figueira as the visitors came agonisingly close.

However, SD Raiders found their equaliser in the 68th minute. Substitute Thomas Santarossa delivered a pinpoint free-kick onto the head of Chianese, who produced a clever flicked header to make it 1-1.

Marconi responded by making attacking changes, introducing Sunday Yona, Matej Busek and Ahmad Elhelou as they searched for a winner and attempted to protect their position at the top of the table.

Instead, it was SD Raiders who completed the turnaround.

In the 82nd minute, substitute Robert Eremugo produced a composed finish into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into celebration and giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Marconi pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Elhelou creating a chance for Tsekenis after driving forward and cutting the ball across the box. However, Ethan Beaven produced a brilliant sliding challenge to deny the Stallions striker.

SD Raiders managed the final stages professionally, seeing out stoppage time to secure a memorable victory over the former league leaders.

Following the match, SD Raiders coach Goran Ljuboja praised his side’s mentality and ability to find a way to win.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be pretty, we had to compete, and I told the boys they had to find a way to win the game.

“We were keeping [Thomas] Santarossa and [Robert] Eremugo in our back pocket, which paid off with a partnership that hadn’t played up top together before,” Ljuboja said.

With the Premiership race now taking another dramatic turn, APIA Leichhardt sit two points clear at the top, while Marconi will be forced to respond quickly as the race for the 2026 title enters its decisive stages with five games to go.

Match Stats

SD Raiders FC 2 (Chianese ’68 Eremugo ‘82)

Marconi Stallions FC 1 (Maya ’14)

Saturday 25 July 2026

Ernie Smith Reserve

Referee: Sam Kelly

Assistant Referees: Liam Smith & Isaac Riggs

Fourth Official: Jack Nelson

SD Raiders FC: 1. Michael Figueria, 4. Cooper Hanagan, 5. Jett Mccue-Shore, 7. Mihael Marcic (37. Robert Eeremugo ’63), 12. Lachlan McGrath, 14. Noah Chianese (9. Jakuv Malbasa ’76), 15. Matthew Lee (11. Thomas Santarossa ’63), 17. Martin Fernandez, 18. Charlie Ragg, 21. Sebastian Malfara, 47. Ethan Beaven

Unused subs:13. Hong Donghwa, 31. Oliver Przydacz, 77. Justin Chan Farias

Yellow cards: Malfara ’29 Marcic ‘48

Red cards: nil

Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Joel Wade, 2. Tyren Burnie, 3. Cameron Windust, 4. Anton Mlinaric, 5. George Daniel, 7. Franco Maya (17. Sunday Yona ’73), 8. James Bayliss, 9. Damien Tsekenis, 10. Marko Jesic (11. Matej Busek ’73), 14. Jack Armson (19. Ahmad Elhelou ’78), 23. Quinten Blair

Unused subs:12. Julian Monge, 16. Luca Pecora, 27. Antonio Marvello, 40. Aaron Hage

Yellow cards: Bayliss ‘35

Red cards: nil

*Player Ratings have now been hidden until the remainder of the NPL Men’s NSW season.

By Justin Davies