Round 30 Review – NPL Men’s NSW

Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 30 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition.

APIA Leichhardt 4-2 St George City @ Lambert Park

APIA Leichhardt celebrated their 2026 Premiership in style with a 4-2 victory over St George City at Lambert Park, with Presley Ortiz scoring twice to finish the regular season on 20 goals and level in the Golden Boot race. St George turned the game around early in the second half through a Paolo Mitry brace after APIA had led at the break, but Themba Muata-Marlow restored parity before Ortiz struck again and Cristian Lombardo sealed the win late. APIA now turn their attention to the Championship Series, where they will look to defend their 2025 title.

Sydney United 58 6-0 St George FC @ Sydney United Sports Centre

Sydney United 58 secured a home final and immediate passage to the second week of the Championship Series with a dominant 6-0 victory over St George FC. Michael Krslovic was the star, scoring a first-half hat-trick before Carlos De Oliveira added a brace and Michael Glassock completed the rout late on. The result ended St George’s regular-season campaign and means the Saints will now face the Promotion/Relegation Playoff against League One Men’s side Northern Tigers as they fight to remain in the NPL Men’s NSW.

Wollongong Wolves 0 v Manly United 4 @ Macedonia Park

Manly United stormed into the NPL Men’s NSW finals with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Wollongong Wolves at Macedonia Park, securing fifth place and ending the Wolves’ finals hopes. Ayumu Kimura opened the scoring before Aaron O’Driscoll and Benjamin Koop struck from set pieces to give Manly a commanding half-time lead, with substitute Monty Peppel adding a fourth late. Manly now head into the finals full of confidence, while Wollongong turn their attention to the Australian Championship.

Marconi Stallions 1-1 NWS Spirit @ Marconi Stadium

Marconi Stallions and NWS Spirit played out a 1-1 draw at Marconi Stadium, a result that set up a midweek Elimination Final rematch between the two sides. Aiden Mostofi gave Spirit the lead early before Ahmad Elhelou levelled just before half-time, with both teams unable to find a winner after the break. Marconi finished third while Spirit secured sixth after Sydney FC’s draw with Sydney Olympic, meaning their next meeting will be a knockout contest with the loser’s season over.

Sydney Olympic 1-1 Sydney FC @ Belmore Sports Ground

Sydney Olympic and Sydney FC shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Belmore Sports Ground, ending the young Sky Blues’ hopes of making the finals. Taye Headley put Sydney FC ahead early in the second half after the visitors had dominated much of the opening period, but Bailey Callaghan equalised for Olympic in the 82nd minute following a Panayioti Armenakas free-kick. Sydney FC pushed for a late winner but could not find it, bringing an end to their finals aspirations.

Sutherland Sharks 1-2 SD Raiders @ Seymor Shaw

SD Raiders finished their historic inaugural NPL Men’s NSW season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw, but the result was not enough to secure a finals berth due to goal difference. Richard Shoueiki gave the Sharks the lead before an unfortunate Yianni Nicolaou own goal levelled the contest, with substitute Justin Chan Frias scoring the winner in the third minute of stoppage time. Sutherland now turn their attention to the finals, while Raiders can look back proudly on an impressive first season in the top flight.

Blacktown City 1 v Western Sydney Wanderers 3 @ Valentine Sports Park

Western Sydney Wanderers finished their 2026 campaign on a high with a 3-1 victory over Blacktown City at Valentine Sports Park. Awan Lual opened the scoring before Georgio Hassarati doubled the advantage early in the second half, with Blacktown eventually pulling one back through Alou Kuol in stoppage time. However, goalkeeper Cayden Henderson’s decision to push forward for a corner left the visitors exposed on the counter, allowing substitute Tristan Arrarte to produce a spectacular lob from beyond halfway and seal the Wanderers’ victory.

Rockdale Ilinden 2-0 UNSW @ Ilinden Sports Centre

Rockdale Ilinden ended Paul Dee’s tenure as head coach on a winning note, defeating UNSW 2-0 at Ilinden Sports Centre in the final round of the regular season. An unfortunate Timothy Wohlfiel own goal opened the scoring before Moudi Najjar doubled the advantage just before half-time, with Rockdale unable to add further goals despite creating opportunities after the break. The result brought a winning conclusion to Dee’s four-year tenure, while Rockdale’s finals hopes ultimately ended despite the victory.