NPL NSW Men’s/FNSW League One Men’s – Promotion Relegation – Second Leg Review
The National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition will have another new face in season 2026 with SD Raiders emerging victorious over Central Coast Mariners 1-0 at Pluim Park courtesy of a stunning Mihael Marcic goal winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Doing it the hard way with ten men for the whole second half, the Raiders fought valiantly claiming the win in memorable fashion.
Earlier in perhaps a sign of nerves more than anything, the first quarter hour saw SD Raiders perhaps shading proceedings with their opening chance seeing Riley Cox-Barlow hit the side netting inside the area after taking it past his marker just after the tenth minute.
While Mariners had their first notable chance around the 25th minute, Laurence Taylor on the end of some lovely interplay with his shot from just outside the area through a sea of legs saved by Michael Figueira in the SD net.
Chances were few and far between the two sides though with neither side willing to give too much away.
That was until an outrageous opener from Mihael Marcic for the visitors. Marcic picking the ball up in the centre circle before two touches and a long range finish into the top right corner.
However in another twist in the tie, the Raiders were reduced to ten just after the restart when Riley Cox-Barlow saw himself booked for a second time.
Harper Ryles having the Mariners first chance since having a man advantage in the 57th minute. His shot denied by a relatively comfortable stop by Figueira.
While Mihael Marcic nearly managed to pull off another wonder strike before the hour. However this time Mariners keeper Joel Wade was able to track back and palm it over the bar.
SD Raiders certainly not stepping back despite going down a man, a Sebastian Malfara free kick from halfway bouncing inside the Mariners box before Wade had to tip it over the bar in a nervy moment for the academy side.
Perhaps some nativity costing Mariners in attack with the visitors doing a good job frustrating their hosts.
Mariners having a couple of half chances through Haine Eaines which saw a long range shot saved before a set piece with just over five minutes left saw Ahmad Ethelou have a header cleared off the line.
Their best chance of the second half coming from Haine Eaines who hit the side netting with a strike and Noah Peacock who headed just wide from a Arthur De Lima cross.
The win over two legs seeing SD Raiders promoted to the top tier for the first time in their young history. While Central Coast Mariners drop back down to League One after a three year stay in the top tier.
Post game, SD Raiders coach Goran Ljuboja reflected on the achievement of promotion and the game itself.
“It’s been a surreal journey to get here. A lot of guys in this team have sacrificed a lot over many years. It’s been a privilege to be part of the group who never stopped believing we could get here.
”The game was nervy, we couldn’t settle into our rhythm and playing on a grass pitch made it harder. After going down to ten tonight, we just had to find a way to win it and we did so with plenty of hard work.”
Match Stats
Central Coast Mariners 0
SD Raiders 1 (Marcic 44’)
Friday 12th September, 2025
Pluim Park, Lisarow
Referee: Craig Fisher
Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch & Matthew Harris
Fourth Official: Joel Crawford
Central Coast Mariners: 40. Joel Wade, 3. Michael Paragalli, 6. Jordan Small (24, Kye Schumacher 82’), 8. Haine Earnes, 10. Arthur De Lima, 11. Jai Rose (19, Noah Peacock 73’), 22. Shumba Mutokoyi, 23. Laurence Taylor (9. Ahmad Ethelou 82’), 37. Bailey Brandtman, 38. Harrison Jablonski, 39. Harper Ryles
Substitutes Not Used: 30. Jared Williams, 13. Logan Sambrook, 14. Angus Reid
Yellow Cards: De Lima 14’
Red Cards: Nil
SD Raiders: 1. Michael Figueira, 7. Mihael Marcic (5. Jett Mccue-Shore 85’), 8. James Letta, 12. Lachlan Mcgrath, 15. Matthew Lee (21. Sebastian Malfara 52’), 18. Charlie Ragg. 19. Riley Cox Barlow, 22. Yonatan Sebhatu, 42. Lachlan Everett, 47. Ethan Beaven, 99. Luka Knezevic (26. Bradley Marszal 68’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Andrew Parkin, 2. Ham Donghwa, 13. Thomas Santarossa.
Yellow Cards: Cox-Barlow 6’, Marcic 36’, Knezevic 39’, Figueira 92’
Red Cards: Cox-Barlow 46’
By Justin Smith
