Jesic fires Marconi back to the top of the table
Marconi Stallions returned to the top of the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW ladder with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Wollongong Wolves at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
An early first-half strike from captain Marko Jesic proved the difference as the Stallions held firm against a determined Wolves fightback to claim all three points.
Marconi entered the match following back-to-back draws and looking to return to the top of the table, while the Wollongong Wolves were aiming to bounce back with a win following last week’s loss to UNSW FC.
Marconi started the match strongly, dominating possession and went close to an early goal when George Daniel found space in the box and got a shot away that forced Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Solsky to make a diving save.
Marconi’s early dominance was rewarded when they took the lead in the 7th minute after Franco Maya delivered a perfect cross from the right that found star striker Marko Jesic unmarked in the box. The captain brought the ball down superbly and calmy slotted the ball past Solsky, with Jesic celebrating the goal with his children in a nice moment for the family.
The Stallions went close to doubling their lead in the 13th minute when a header from Matej Busek was brilliantly saved from Solsky who showed quick reflexes as he dived high and got a fingertip on the ball and pushed it over the crossbar.
Wollongong slowly started to grow into the match with their best chance of the early stages coming from midfielder Lucas Trajcevski in the 20th minute. Trajcevski received the ball from a nice lay off from captain Lachlan Scott and unleashed a left-foot strike from outside the box that forced Marconi goalkeeper Joel Wade to parry the ball over the crossbar and hand the Wolves a corner.
The Wolves nearly gifted Marconi a second goal in the 37th minute when a sloppy pass from Solsky was intercepted by Damian Tsekenis who quickly got a shot away on goal, only for Wolves’ defender Dylan Ryan to clear the ball off the line.
Marconi were enjoying the better spell of possession and were a constant threat in attack and went close to a third goal when fullback Tyren Burnie went on a brilliant run through the Wolves defence, with his shot going just wide of Solsky who was left stranded.
The first half came to a close with the Stallions registering eight shots with five on target, while the Wolves had four shots on target.
The Wolves made a fast start to the second half with midfielder Marcus Beattie unleashing a powerful half-volley that forced a strong handed save from Wade.
Marconi were keeping the Wolves in the game as they failed to take their chances and started to sit deep and invite pressure from Wollongong.
The Wolves had a strong claim for a penalty in the 72nd minute after Quinten Blair came flying in from behind and put in a dangerous challenge on Scott. However, referee Isabella Mossin waved play on.
Marconi hit back a few minutes later when Busek unleashed a rocket from well outside the box they sailed just wide of the Wolves goal.
The Wolves continued to create half chances as the second half continued, with Marconi managing the game well and holding strong in defence.
Wollongong were throwing everything at Marconi and continued to push numbers forward, with centre-back Ryan playing as a makeshift striker as they chased an equalising goal.
The Wolves were inches away from levelling the match in the closing minutes with substitute Liam Ball firing just wide of the Marconi goal.
In the end, Marconi held on for a hard-fought 1-0 win that sees them return to the top of the table, while the Wolves will feel disappointed to not leave Marconi Stadium with at least a point after putting in a strong performance.
Next up for Marconi is a Round 19 home game against Sydney FC, while the Wolves host APIA Leichhardt FC on Saturday night.
Match Stats
Marconi Stallions FC: 1 (Marko Jesic 7’)
Wollongong Wolves FC: 0
Sunday June 7, 2026
Marconi Stadium
Referee: Isabella Mossin
Assistant Referees: Ethan Zvargulis and Wael Arabi
Fourth Official: Alana Zic
Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Joel Wade, 2, Tyren Burnie, 4. Anton Mlinaric, 5. George Daniel, 6. Teng Kuol (3. Cameron Windust 86’), 7. Franco Maya Valiente, 9. Damian Tsekenis, 10. Marko Jesic (C), 11. Matej Busek, 14. Jack Armson, 23. Quinten Blair
Substitutes not used: 8. Adam Bugarija, 17. Sunday Yona, 19. Pearson Kasawaya, 27. Antonio Marvello, 38. Daniel Osei, 40. Aaron Hage
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Daniel Solsky, 4. Dylan Ryan, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 8. Sebastian Duarte, 10. Flynn Madden, 11. Sebastian Hernandez (77. Dylan King 71’), 14. Noah Mathie (15. Dax Kelly 71’), 16. Lucas Trajcevski (21. Liam Ball 79’), 17. Marcus Beattie, 24. Lachlan Scott (C), 25. Alex Masciovecchio
Substitutes not used: 3. Jude Christie, 7. Felipe D’Agostini, 9. Jack McClatchie, 19. Max Cunial
Yellow Cards: Flynn Madden 90+4’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Marko Jesic (Marconi Stallions FC)
2 – Teng Kuol (Marconi Stallions FC)
1 – Sebastian Duarte (Wollongong Wolves FC)
Report by Joel Martelli
