Late Ryles Strike Sinks Manly at Cromer Park

Western Sydney Wanderers have moved into the top six after their pulsating Round Six 1–0 victory over Manly United at Cromer Park on Friday night. 

It was a superb solo effort from Harper Ryles in the 77th minute that separated the two sides, as the young Wanderers conjured up their second clean sheet of the season.

Western Sydney forged the first real chance of the game in the 10th minute when Joshua Cetinic cannoned a long-range effort over the crossbar.

Moments later, Ayumu Kimura similarly saw his shot fly over the bar after a winding run that began on the halfway line for the hosts.

With Manly having seized the momentum, it was Jasper Chipman who couldn’t convert in the 18th minute as he scuffed his chance, before Luka Krizan headed the follow-up wide.

The ‘Red & Black’ wrestled back some momentum in the 19th minute when Oscar Moore came inches away from sliding the ball past Mackenzie Syron, however the chance proved short-lived.

Ben Koop then missed from close range in the 34th minute.

In the 40th minute, with only opposing goalkeeper Tristan Vidackovic to beat, he shot straight at him to the audible dismay of the crowd.

To close out the half in the 42nd minute, Harper Ryles failed to keep his shot down as he aimed for goal from a difficult angle, with the forward a sliver away from opening the scoring.

Jesse Piriz began the second half with intent in the 54th minute, his powerful attempt forcing Vidackovic to dive low to deny him.

With Manly pushing for the opener in the 63rd minute, Oscar Morrison cleared the ball away from Stephan De Robillard in the nick of time.

Robillard continued to bring energy after coming on as a substitute, with his shot parried away by Rocco McNamara minutes after his initial opportunity went begging.

Western Sydney were not to be outdone, however, and in the 74th minute they produced a fine interception near Manly’s box through Alaat Abdul-Rahman before Lachlan Sattout curled his effort over the crossbar.

Harper Ryles ultimately proved the difference.

He turned on the afterburners for the ‘Red & Black’ with a surging run towards goal in the 77th minute before firing home past Piriz and Syron to open the scoring.

With only a goal separating the sides, Vidackovic rose high to save Saxon Hillyer’s free kick in the 88th minute as Manly were unable to break down a resolute ‘Red & Black’ defence.

Alaat Abdul-Rahman was candid at full-time.

“We knew coming to Cromer Park would be tough, but our fighting spirit, togetherness and how well we work as a team got us through.

“Manly United had more experience than us, but we came here to play. Our technical ability also helped us get over the line.

“It’s a big win to get the three points and it’s our second win in a row. It helps us get to where we need to be and sends a message.”

It was a huge away win for coach Panny Nikas and his young squad who have had a solid start to the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW season.

Match Stats

Manly United 0

Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Harper Ryles 77’)             

Friday 13 March, 2026

Cromer Park

Referee: Ivica Covic

Assistant Referees: Vicky Clark and Isaac Riggs

Fourth Official: Lucas Kloosterhof

Manly United: 2.Luka Krizan, 3.Matthew O’Donoghue, 4.Jesse Piriz, 5.Aaron O’Driscoll, (6.Saxon Hillyer 78’), (7.Stephan De Robillard 62’), 8.Kakeru Ono, 9.Benjamin Koop, 10.Darcy Burgess, 11.Ayumu Kimura, (14.Kade Baccus 78’), (15.Max Martinello 68’), 18.Luke Nieuwenhof, (19.Cai Evans 62’), 33.Japser Chipman, 99.Mackenzie Syron

Substitutes not used: 14.Max Walker, 21.Harry Turner, 29.Douglas John

Yellow Cards: None

Red cards: None

Western Sydney Wanderers: 1.Tristan Vidackovic, (5.Jesse Cameron 72’), 6.Oscar Morrison, 7.Alaat Abdul-Rahman, 8.Julian Cop, 13.Noah Ovens, 16.Tristan Arrarte, 17.Joshua Cetinic, 20.Harper Ryles, 21.Rocco McNamara, 23.Oscar Moore, (25.Marko Radovancevic 72’), 26.Bradley Marszal, (27.Lachlan Sattout 63’), (29.Georgio Hassarati 89’)

Substitutes not used: 3.Ben Mewett, 12.Lucas Sinnott

Yellow Cards: Joshua Cetinic 87’

Red Cards: None

Player Ratings

3 – Tristan Vidackovic (WSW)

2 – Alaat Abdul-Rahman (WSW)

1 – Harper Ryles (WSW)

-By Tobias Canning

Photo credit Jeremy Denham (Facet Photography)