Round 27 Review – NPL Men’s NSW
Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 27 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition.
Manly United 3 v Marconi 1 @ Cromer Park
Manly United continued their remarkable late-season surge with a 3-1 victory over Marconi Stallions at Cromer Park, moving into the NPL Men’s NSW Top Six for the first time since the early stages of the season. Eighteen-year-old Cai Evans was the star, scoring his first senior goal and assisting Benjamin Koop’s strike before Stephan De Robillard converted a late penalty to seal the result. Marko Jesic pulled one back for Marconi, but the Stallions suffered their fourth consecutive defeat as Manly extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.
SD Raiders FC 3 v WSW 0 @ Ernie Smith Reserve
SD Raiders FC strengthened their finals push with a convincing 3-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at Ernie Smith Reserve. Noah Chianese opened the scoring in the 35th minute after some excellent build-up play, before Jakov Malbasa came off the bench to score twice late in the match and seal a comprehensive victory. The Wanderers were reduced to 10 men when Alaat Abdul-Rahman was sent off in the 74th minute, allowing the Raiders to take control late and secure three valuable points ahead of their huge midweek Australia Cup clash.
UNSW FC 1 v Sydney Olympic 3 @ The Village Green
Sydney Olympic kept their survival hopes alive with a battling 3-1 victory over UNSW FC at The Village Green. Bailey Callaghan opened the scoring before Jyden Harb levelled from the penalty spot, but Sebastian Bugarija’s fortunate effort restored Olympic’s lead after the break before Kaan Nizam sealed the result with a stunning strike off the underside of the crossbar. The victory gives Olympic a vital three points in their fight to avoid automatic relegation, while UNSW remain confident that another point should secure their top-flight status for 2027.
NWS Spirit FC 3 v Blacktown City 1 @ Christie Park
NWS Spirit reignited their finals hopes with a convincing 3-1 victory over Blacktown City at Christie Park, moving to within four points of the Top Six with three rounds remaining. Callum Kealy scored twice inside the opening 21 minutes to give Spirit control before Corey Kavanagh sealed the victory with a superb long-range strike in the 86th minute. Travis Major briefly gave Blacktown hope with a deflected goal in the 76th minute, but Spirit’s dominant performance and strong home form saw them comfortably secure their fourth victory in their last five matches at Christie Park.
Sutherland Sharks 1 v Sydney FC 1 @ Seymour Shaw
Sutherland Sharks were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Sydney FC at Seymour Shaw, with both goals arriving early in the second half. Zac Fowler gave the young Sky Blues the lead in the 49th minute before Jordan Perez produced a superb free-kick from range to restore parity for the Sharks. Sutherland pushed hard for a winner and created several late opportunities, but Sydney FC goalkeeper Jared Williams stood firm to earn his side a valuable point, leaving the Sharks still within touching distance of securing a finals and Australian Championship position.
St George FC 0 v APIA 0 @ Barton Park
St George FC produced a defiant performance to hold league leaders APIA Leichhardt to a goalless draw at Barton Park, although the result will feel more valuable for the Premiership contenders than the relegation-threatened Saints. APIA enjoyed periods of control and created opportunities, but St George defended strongly and increasingly looked the more dangerous side as the match progressed. Oliver Kalac and James Husoy were both important between the posts, while APIA were reduced to 10 men late when Kyle Shaw was shown a straight red card. The point keeps APIA firmly in control of the Premiership race, while St George were left to rue a missed opportunity to claim a crucial three points in their fight for survival.
St George City 1 v Rockdale Ilinden 0 @ Penshurst Park
St George City continued their remarkable late-season revival with a 1-0 victory over Rockdale Ilinden at Penshurst Park, moving to within three points of the NPL Men’s NSW Top Six. Lucas Bedleg once again proved the difference, scoring his third consecutive match-winning goal after capitalising on a loose back header to race past the goalkeeper and finish into an empty net. Jack Kenny was also crucial for City, producing important saves to deny Moudi Najjar as St George secured their third consecutive victory over a Top Six opponent and firmly entered the finals conversation.
Wollongong Wolves 1 v Sydney United 58 2 @ Macedonia Park
Sydney United 58 FC produced a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Wollongong Wolves at Macedonia Park, with Michael Krslovic scoring twice, including a stoppage-time winner, to secure three valuable points and move United 58 into second place on the NPL Men’s NSW ladder. Kazuya Yamamura had given the Wolves a first-half lead with a composed finish, but Krslovic levelled in the 58th minute before delivering the decisive blow late in injury time after racing onto Anthony Tomelic’s excellent ball over the top. The Wolves created several chances throughout an entertaining contest but were unable to find a second goal, suffering a fifth consecutive defeat that has severely dented their finals hopes, while Sydney United 58 now turn their attention to Wednesday night’s Hahn Australia Cup Round of 16 clash against APIA Leichhardt.
