Sydney FC continues red-hot form with win over Raiders

Sydney FC recorded a 1-0 win over SD Raiders FC in their round 16 rescheduled fixture at Ernie Smith Reserve on Tuesday night which has lifted the Sky Blues to fifth spot on the NPL Men’s NSW ladder. 

The first chance of the contest went to the visitors, with Ethan Dyer found at the back post, but his header was scrambled away in the 6th minute.

SD Raiders FC responded with a chance of their own as Luka Knezevic curled an effort just past the right post.

The hosts began to find their rhythm, with Cooper Hanagan driving them forward before Robert Eremugo tapped home, only for the flag to rule it out for offside.

Hanagan then had an effort of his own, which flew wide as the game opened up with both sides chasing three points.

Sydney FC top scorer Mitchell Glasson also tried his luck with a fierce strike that sailed over the bar in the wet conditions.

SD Raiders FC’s Martin Fernandez had the best chance of the half, latching onto a ball over the top in the 31st minute, but Sydney FC goalkeeper Alexander Zaverdinos stood firm.

The Raiders continued to threaten from set pieces, with Mihael Marcic attempting a flicked header from a corner that Zaverdinos turned wide.

The hosts again had early second-half opportunities, with Eremugo stinging the palms of Zaverdinos before Knezevic tried his luck moments later.

Sydney FC went close themselves, working the angles inside the box before Lachlan Middleton blazed over following a touch from SD Raiders goalkeeper William Loucas.

The Sky Blues made it 1-0 in the 76th minute through their substitutes, with Zac Fowler driving forward before squaring for Junior Conde to tap home.

Fowler then had the chance to seal the result, breaking through on goal and attempting a chip over Loucas, but it drifted wide.

SD Raiders pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Sydney FC held firm to secure three crucial points.

SD Raiders FC boss Goran Ljuboja reflected on a frustrating night.

“We didn’t take our chances tonight, missed a pair of one-on-ones, then conceded at the back post on something we spoke about all week. All it took was one lapse of concentration from us tonight,” Ljuboja said.

Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren praised his side’s second-half response.

“I think it was a positive performance and result. In the first half, they had some good chances and Zaverdinos kept us in the game. Fowler is always a handful with his pace and skill, and we’re happy to see him take his chance,” Van Weeren said.

Match Stats

SD Raiders FC 0

Sydney FC 1 (Conde ’76)

Tuesday 30 June 2026

Ernie Smith Reserve

SD Raiders FC: 4. Cooper Hanagan, 5. Jett Mccue-Shore, 7. Mihael Marcic (19. Riley Cox-Barlow ’61), 8. James Letta, 10. Luka Knezevic, 12. Lachlan Mcgrath, 15. Matthew Lee (13. Ham Donghwa ’81), 17. Martin Fernandez (9. Jakov Malbasa ’71), 18. Charlie Ragg (11. Thomas Santarossa ’71), 37. Robert Eremugo (77. Justin Chan Farias ’61), 40. William Loucas

Unused subs: 1. Michael Figueira, 47. Ethan Beaven

Yellow cards: Hanagan ‘67

Red cards:

Sydney FC: 3. Reef Farias, 4. Caelan Marshall-Witte (24. Dion Nigro ’68), 8. Samuel Lancaster (11. Junior Conde ’68), 10. Taye Headley, 14. Lachlan Middleton, 16. Jared Middleton, 18. Ethan Dyer, 19. Mitchell Glasson (9. Zac Fowler 68), 30. Alexander Zaverdinos, 33. Marin France (36. Ryan Buttigieg ’85), 34. Tyler Williams (15. Zinadein Ardiansyah ‘’59)

Unused subs: 12. Jared Williams

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings:

3: Zac Fowler (SFC)

2: Alexander Zaverdinos (SFC)

1: Cooper Hanagan (SD)

By Justin Davies