Australia Cup: Fixtures, results, highlights in Football NSW round five
32 teams remain alive in the Football NSW Australia Cup as they strive for qualification. Check out all the fixtures, results and highlights for round five.
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The Football NSW Australia Cup round five qualifiers are underway after round four saw some major upsets.
Two League One sides in Inter Lions and Macarthur Rams produced a thriller to open round five, going all the way to penalties to determine a victor.
NPL NSW team Sydney Olympic secured a comfortable win in the Olympic Derby while another League One side was ousted by an association club.
Check out all the results, highlights and standouts from this round, and prepare for upcoming matches in round five with our full preview down below.
Phoenix FC (Eastern Suburbs Football) defeated Lindfield FC (Northern Suburbs Football) 12-11 on penalties
Another penalty shootout forced to be postponed due to lighting issues, but Phoenix FC has scraped past Lindfield to move onto round six.
Phoenix were forced to chase the game after conceding two goals in 12 minutes from Lindfield’s Ben Sneddon and Luke Klusman.
Dylan Whelan’s goal put Phoenix within one before half time but Asha Phillips put Lindfield two goals clear just after the break.
Two goals in quick succession from Daragh O’Doherty and Daniel Doherty levelled the scoring for Phoenix and with no further goals scored in extra time, the game was set for penalties.
The lights went out after 19 penalty shots were taken with the rest of the shoot-out taken the following week, with Phoenix coming out on top 12-11.
Northbridge FC (Northern Suburbs Football) defeated Sutherland Sharks FC (NPL NSW) 2-1
Association club Northbridge FC produced one of the big upsets of the round, downing NPL NSW outfit Sutherland Sharks 2-1 .
Northbridge took control of the match early on, with Tristen Van Rhoon scoring the opening goal just after the half hour mark and taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Emilio Manos doubled the lead just after the break and despite a late goal from Jordan Graoroski, the Sharks couldn’t claw back the deficit.
The result adds insult to injury for the Sharks, who have just two wins in 12 NPL games this season, sitting near the bottom of the ladder.
Wollongong Wolves FC (NPL NSW) defeated Hills United FC (NPL NSW) 3-0
Super Sub Sebastian Hernandez secured progression for Wollongong Wolves, scoring two goals off the bench in his side’s 3-0 win over fellow NPL club Hills United.
Damon Gray scored just his third goal of the season to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead early in the match, with Hernandez adding his brace in the final 10 minutes to win the match comfortably.
Hills took some positives out of the game, debuting Jett Long, Gabriel Gotting, Dylan Yaako and Kaya Akdeniz in the first team.
APIA Leichhardt FC (NPL NSW) defeated Berkeley Vale SC (Central Coast Football) 5-0
APIA were always going into their Australia Cup round five match as the favourites and they didn’t disappoint, breezing through to the next round with a 5-0 win over Berkeley Vale.
It took a full half hour for APIA to find the opening goal courtesy of Seiya Kambayashi but from there APIA dominated.
Luigi Ditroia added a second before half time, while Jordan Segreto and Alex Denmead scored another two before the final whistle.
An unfortunate own goal from Berkeley Vale’s Nick Trengrove made it a 5-0 scoreline.
Marconi Stallions FC (NPL NSW) defeated SD Raiders FC (FNSW League One) 4-2
It was almost the upset of the round, but NPL side Marconi Stallions got the job done against League One club SD Raiders 4-2.
Rocco Fragale took the lead for the Raiders right on half time, with Justin Chan Frias doubling the advantage just after the restart.
The Raiders kept that lead for another 30 minutes before James Temelkovski brought one back for the Stallions, and Daniel Bouman levelled the scoring not soon after.
Skipper Marko Jesic finally gave the Stallions the lead, and a second from Temelkovski secured the victory.
Blacktown City FC (NPL NSW) defeated Fraser Park FC (FNSW League Two) 3-0
Fraser Park were no match for a Blacktown City in strong form, going down 3-0 to bow out of the Australia Cup.
Tyren Burnie and Mitch Mallia secured City a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time, with a goal from substitute Reuben Awaritefe confirmed the convincing result.
Blacktown are showing promising signs of making their first Round of 32 appearance since 2021, after getting knocked out early in qualifying in 2023.
Rockdale Ilinden FC (NPL NSW) defeated Hakoah Sydney City East FC (FNSW League One) 2-1
Rockdale Ilinden have come out on top of League One side Hakoah FC in a game that saw three red cards and as many goals.
Top scorer and captain Alec Urosevski took just three minutes to put Rockdale on top from a free kick, but a Ginjiro Chiba goal just before the break levelled the scores heading into half time.
Olayinka Sunmola secured the victory for Rockdale with 30 minutes to go, before three red cards were shown to Hakoah’s Gaelen Dorigo and George Tuson-Firth, along with Rockdale substitute Bai Antoniou.
Wollongong United (Football South Coast) defeated Central Coast United FC (FNSW League Two) 2-1
Wollongong were gifted the opening goal but made sure the win was their own as they downed Central Coast United 2-1 in round five.
Central Coast’s Jack Barr found the back of the wrong net after 15 minutes, handing the lead to Wollongong.
Klime Sekutkoski made it 2-0 before halftime, with a consolation goal for Central Coast from Noah Crossingham not enough to make a late comeback.
Sydney United 58 FC (NPL NSW) defeated Eschol Park FC (Macarthur Football) 4-1
Eschol Park’s fascinating Australia Cup run has come to an end, with the Macarthur club going down 4-1 to NPL side Sydney United 58.
The Wolves held United off through the first half, with neither team adding to the scoreline for a 0-0 score at halftime.
Carlos de Oliveira put United in front in the 59th minute, but that was cancelled out just over 10 minutes later by the Wolves’ Yusuf Raffie.
But United showed their class in the remaining minutes, as skipper Patrick Antelmi netted a brace and Alessandro Lacalandra added one of his own.
Coniston FC (Football South Coast) defeated Panorama FC (Bathurst District Football) 3-1
Giant killers Coniston FC have done it again, downing Bathurst club Panorama FC and securing a place in round six of the Australia Cup.
Adam Timpano-Voloder added his fifth goal in four Cup games for Coniston, opening the scoring just under 20 minutes in.
Adrian Cabral gave the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break while Arthur Hugon scored the third goal in the 65th minute.
Jayden Staatz recorded a consolation goal for Panorama with 10 minutes to go but any comeback was quickly quashed.
Coogee United FC (Eastern Suburbs Football) defeated FC Shellharbour (Football South Coast) 1-0
Coogee United may be without Jordan Smith in round six after he picked up a straight red card in the side’s 1-0 win over FC Shellharbour.
Both teams were very evenly matched, with neither able to grab the upper hand despite Coogee going down to 10 men before half time.
Daniel Reynolds finally broke the deadlock for Coogee in the 76th minute, with his sole goal the one to send the side through to round six.
Inter Lions FC (FNSW League One) defeated Macarthur Rams FC (FNSW League One) 5-4 on penalties
The feel-good story of last year’s Australia Cup have progressed to round six after a nail biting 5-4 win on penalties against fellow League One side Macarthur Rams.
It was the Lions’ game to throw away, with Oliver Green’s 18th minute goal cancelled out by the Rams’ Connor Spurway with 20 minutes to go, sending the match into extra time.
The Lions struck early with two goals in as many minutes from Fikret Berisha seemingly giving the side an unattainable 3-1 lead with the minutes ticking down.
But the Rams weren’t ones to give up as Spurway added his second of the night and Richard Shoueiki’s late goal to level the scores 3-3 consequently forcing a penalty shootout.
With both teams so evenly match, the result was always going to be a coin toss and Inter Lions were the eventual winners, taking the game 5-4 on penalties.
Cringila Lions FC (Football South Coast) defeated Rydalmere Lions FC (FNSW League One) 7-1
Cringila have come out on top in the battle of the Lions, downing Rydalmere Lions 7-1 to secure a spot in round six.
Though the 7-1 scoreline seems to indicate a wholly dominant win for Cringila, the first half ended 1-1 thanks to a Justin Ivanovic goal being cancelled out by Rydalmere’s Marcus Lal.
The second half started with an unfortunate own goal from Rydalmere’s Ronan Connolly and from there Cringila didn’t look back.
Josh Correia, Anthony Krsteski and Ekoue D’almeida all added goals for Cringila, while Jordan Prentoski recorded a brace.
Sydney Olympic FC (NPL NSW) defeated Wollongong Olympic FC (Football South Coast) 4-1
It was always going to be an uphill battle for South Coast side Wollongong Olympic against a Sydney Olympic side finally finding their groove this season.
Sydney were dominant from the first whistle with Teng Kuol opening the scoring just three minutes into the match and doubling the lead before the 25 minute mark.
Oliver Puflett secured a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break as Sydney stepped off the gas in the second half.
An unfortunate own goal from Wollongong’s Josh Alcorn extended Sydney’s lead even further, before substitute Tynan Diaz brought one back for the 4-1 scoreline.
Blacktown Spartans FC (FNSW League One) defeated Dunbar Rovers FC (FNSW League One) 3-1
The Spartans are two from two against their League One rivals after a comfortable 3-1 win in the Australia Cup.
However it wasn’t smooth sailing for the Spartans, who fell to a 1-0 deficit early in the first half thanks to the Rovers’ Sam Tzanakes.
Jett McFadden’s goal just before the break ensured scores were level heading into the second half.
From there the Spartans took control of the match, with Aedon Kyra adding his name to the scoreboard five minutes after the restart and a goal from Suleyman Bangura ensuring the Spartans moved onto round six.
Sydney Olympic FC defeated Wollongong Olympic FC 4-1
Sydney Olympic and Wollongong Olympic are set to go head to head in what’s already being dubbed the ‘Olympic Derby’. Sydney have to go into the match as favourites with a home crowd behind them, but Wollongong have been very strong in the tournament so far and won’t be settling.
Sydney Olympic FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 3 (2014, 2015, 2021)
Player to watch: Roy O’Donovan is one of the most experienced Australia Cup players, featuring in the Round of 32 for A-League teams Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets as well as in Olympic’s 2021 Cup run.
Results so far: Rd 4 11-0 vs. Umina United SC
Wollongong Olympic FC
Association: Football South Coast
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Kade Kinsella has been one of the top scorers of the competition so far with eight goals to his name from three games.
Results so far: Rd 2 14-0 vs. MBK United, Rd3 3-1 vs. Hurstville FC, Rd 4 7-0 vs. Yagoona Lions FC
Blacktown Spartans FC vs. Dunbar Rovers FC
Blacktown won bragging rights when the two teams faced off in round two of League One earlier this year, but the magic of the Cup means anything is possible. Neither team has made it to the Round of 32 before and will be gunning for a spot in the next round.
Blacktown Spartans FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Aedon Kyra was the hat-trick hero in round three, adding to his six goals so far this season in League One.
Results so far: Rd 3 4-1 vs. Manly Vale FC, Rd 4 2-1 vs. Bankstown City
Dunbar Rovers FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Daisuke Yamaguchi leads the Rovers in goals this season with four and is dangerous with the ball.
Results so far: Rd 3 2-1 vs. Avoca FC, Rd 4 2-1 vs. St George FC
Macarthur Rams FC vs. Inter Lions FC
Inter Lions had an impressive Cup run in 2023, making their debut in the Round of 32 before being knocked out in the Round of 16 against South Australian club Metrostars. The Rams have already made it further than they did last year when they were knocked out in round four by Dunbar Rovers.
Macarthur Rams FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Leandro Guzman loves scoring in the cup, netting a hat-trick in round four following a sole goal in round three.
Results so far: Rd 3 4-1 vs. Normanhurst Eagles FC, Rd 4 5-2 vs. Kanwal Warnevale FC
Inter Lions FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 1 (2023)
Player to watch: Lions captain Sam Armson has plenty of Cup experience and had a strong showing against Warilla Wanderers, scoring a brace.
Results so far: Rd 3 2-0 vs. Yoogali FC, Rd 4 11-0 vs. Warilla Wanderers FC
Cringila Lions FC vs. Rydalmere Lions FC
Cringila made it all the way to round six last year and are not to be underestimated as they face Rydalmere Lions FC in round five. Rydalmere sit towards the bottom of the League One ladder while Cringila have had a mostly positive season so far.
Cringila Lions FC
Association: Football South Coast
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Ekoue D’Almeida has been a key part of Cringila’s past two Cup runs and his experience will be vital against Rydalmere.
Results so far: Rd 3 15-1 vs. Marrickville, Rd 4 4-1 vs. Doonside Hawks
Rydalmere Lions FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Marcus Lal has been a consistent scorer for the Lions both in League One and in the Cup and will likely be in the mix for more in round five.
Results so far: Rd 3 2-0 vs. Sydney University SFC, Rd 4 5-3 vs. Randwick City
Eschol Park FC vs. Sydney United 58 FC
Eschol Park has a tough challenge ahead of them as they face arguably one of the most successful non-ALM clubs in the Australia Cup’s recent history. United have failed to qualify for the Round of 32 just twice in the past 10 years (competition wasn’t held in 2020 due to the pandemic) and are easily the favourites against the (association) club.
Eschol Park FC
Association: Macarthur Football Association
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Junior Dekedeke has contributed to the scoreline in two of the Wolves’ three matches so far and will be needed in attack against a very strong Sydney United.
Results so far: Rd2 2-1 vs. Mascot Kings, Rd3 3-1 vs. St Michaels FC, Rd4 2-2 (9-8 on penalties) vs. Emu Plains FC
Sydney United 58 FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 7 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Player to watch: Captain Patrick Antelmi has been leading United from the front all season and had a strong showing against Bulli, scoring three of the team’s four goals.
Results so far: Rd 4 4-0 vs. Bulli FC
FC Shellharbour vs. Coogee United FC
Shellharbour and Coogee United have both picked up decent wins on their way to round five with no shortage of goals for either team. It’s set to be a tough battle, however Shellharbour may have the slight advantage.
FC Shellharbour
Association: Football South Coast
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Jayden Branovski has been a goal scoring machine in the Cup, scoring seven goals in three games including two hat tricks.
Results so far: Rd 2 3-1 vs. Tarrawanna Blueys FC, Rd 3 5-1 vs. Northern Tigers, Rd 4 3-2 vs. Bonnet Bay FC
Coogee United FC
Association: Eastern Suburbs Football Association
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Dale Howarth has been a consistent contributor for Coogee United, scoring in two of their three Cup matches.
Results so far: Rd 2 3-1 vs. Padstow United FC, Rd 3 2-0 vs. Western Condors, Rd 4 2-1 vs. Inner West Hawks
Hills United FC vs. Wollongong Wolves FC
Hills have had an inconsistent NPL season so far after being promoted from League One for 2024. They face fellow NPL side Wollongong Wolves who have a bit more Cup experience, reaching the Round of 16 in their 2021 run.
Hills United FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 1 (2017)
Player to watch: Thomas Lopez has been essential for Hills since their move up to the NPL and brings energy to their attack early in matches.
Results so far: Rd 4 4-2 vs. Waverley Old Boys FC
Wollongong Wolves FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 3 (2014, 2016, 2021)
Player to watch: Takumi Ofuka is making a strong charge for the NPL golden boot this year and will likely be leading the Wolves’ attack.
Results so far: Rd 4 1-0 vs. Lane Cove FC
APIA Leichhardt FC vs. Berkeley Vale Soccer Club
Reigning NPL NSW Premiers APIA Leichhardt go into round five easily the favourite as they host Central Coast side Berkeley Vale SC. However results this season have been very hit and miss and the Cup tends to bring out shock results.
APIA Leichhardt FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 4 (2017, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Player to watch: Ben Gibson has been consistently impressive for APIA, with eight goals in the NPL so far as well as a four-goal haul against Hazelbrook in round four.
Results so far: Rd 4 19-1 vs. Hazelbrook FC
Berkeley Vale Soccer Club
Association: Central Coast Football Association
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Matthias Palmquist was the star of Berkeley Vale’s round four win, scoring two goals in the 4-1 win.
Results so far: Rd 3 7-0 vs. Parramatta FC, Rd 4 4-1 vs. Hawkesbury City FC
Austral SC/Dulwich Hill vs. NWS Spirit FC
Austral SC and Dulwich Hill are yet to play their round four fixture after it was washed out earlier this month.
NWS Spirit FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 1 (2022)
Player to watch: Zachary Cianci has been pulling double duty with the first grade and U20s for Spirit and will be keen to make his mark on the Cup.
Results so far: Rd 4 4-1 vs. Albion Park White Eagles
Northbridge FC vs. Sutherland Sharks FC
Northbridge came agonisingly close to securing their first ever appearance in the Round of 32 in 2023, going down 3-0 to Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the final round of qualifiers. This will likely spark a fire under the team as they face Sutherland, who have been struggling in the NPL this season.
Northbridge FC
Association: Northern Suburbs Football Association
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Sebastian Saunders was a key part of the side’s 2023 run and has been strong so far in 2024, scoring three goals against Narellan.
Results so far: Rd 3 6-0 vs. Picton Rangers FC, Rd 4 6-0 vs. Narellan Rangers SC
Sutherland Sharks FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Sharks captain Mitch Stamatellis has been the centre of defence for the Sharks and will need to lead from the front to turnaround the team’s current form.
Results so far: Rd 4 9-0 vs. Kellyville Kolts Soccer Club
Wollongong United FC vs. Central Coast United FC
Two years is a long time in football and Wollongong United will see it as too long as they push for another Round of 32 berth. Standing in their way is Central Coast FC, who have been decent in League Two and have never made it out of the NSW qualification stage.
Wollongong United FC
Association: Football South Coast
Round of 32 appearances: 1 (2022)
Player to watch: A goalscorer in United’s 2022 finals run, Mitsuo Yamada brings critical experience to the side.
Results so far: Rd 3 2-0 vs. South Coast Flame FC, Rd 4 5-0 vs. Forest Killarney FC
Central Coast United FC
Association: Football NSW League Two
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: It’s hard to look past Ben Flakus, who recorded a stunning hat-trick in round four, including two goals in just 10 minutes.
Results so far: Rd 3 2-1 vs. Bankstown United FC, Rd 4 4-2 vs. Gladesville Ryde Magic
Hakoah Sydney City East FC vs. Rockdale Ilinden FC
Two teams with plenty of Australia Cup experience, it’s set to be a must-watch battle as Hakoah Sydney City East host Rockdale Ilinden. Both teams last appeared in the Round of 32 in 2018 and will be keen to get back to the finals.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 3 (2014, 2017, 2018)
Players to watch: Cam Philpot and Sam Shepherd will be leading Hakoah’s attack, each with five goals in League One this season.
Results so far: Rd 3 10-1 vs. Gosford City FC, Rd 4 6-3 vs. Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC
Rockdale Ilinden FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 2 (2015, 2018)
Player to watch: Alec Urosevski has been the one to watch all season in the NPL, recording nine goals and scoring both against Manly United in round four.
Results so far: Rd 4 2-2 (4-2 penalties) vs. Manly United
Blacktown City FC vs. Fraser Park FC
Blacktown City have plenty of experience in the latter stages of the Australia Cup and are one of the favourites to take one of four Football NSW places in the Round of 32. Fraser Park have been struggling in League Two but anything can happen come match day.
Blacktown City FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 5 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021)
Player to watch: Jak O’Brien is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, recording 10 goals in 11 games across the NPL and Australia Cup.
Results so far: Rd 4 2-1 vs. St George City FA
Fraser Park FC
Association: Football NSW League Two
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Alex Nicolosi has been leading the scoring for Fraser Park this season and will be key as the side looks for goals against a strong Blacktown City.
Results so far: Rd 3 7-1 vs. Workers FC, Rd 4 2-0 vs. Camden Tigers FC
SD Raiders FC vs. Marconi Stallions FC
Despite Marconi Stallions being one of the stronger clubs in the NPL, they haven’t progressed past the NSW qualification rounds since 2019. Meanwhile the Raiders are firmly in the middle of League One this season, with four wins and four losses showing some consistency in a very tough league.
SD Raiders FC
Association: Football NSW League One
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: The Raiders will be relying heavily on their defence against Marconi, with keeper Mario Aleksik under the most pressure.
Results so far: Rd 3 3-2 vs. Narrabeen FC, Rd 4 7-2 vs. Hurlstone Park
Marconi Stallions FC
Association: NPL NSW
Round of 32 appearances: 3 (2016, 2018, 2019)
Player to watch: Captain Marko Jesic was part of the Stallions squad in their last Ro32 appearance and will be key for the team as they push to return.
Results so far: Rd 4 3-2 vs. UNSW FC
Phoenix FC vs. Lindfield FC
Lindfield FC have 19 goals in three games as they booked their place in round five. Phoenix meanwhile have had a two goal buffer for each of their matches and are expected to be close competition this round.
Phoenix FC
Association: Eastern Suburbs Football Association
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Captain Dominic Ferguson’s goal in round four sparked the Phoenix to an eventual victory and his experience and energy will be needed against Lindfield.
Results so far: Rd 2 5-3 vs. Gunners Soccer Club, Rd 3 4-2 vs. Cooks River, Rd 4 2-0 vs. Glebe Gorillas
Lindfield FC
Association: Northern Suburbs Football
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: James Rengasamy knows how to produce Australia Cup goals, scoring five in three matches for Lindfield.
Results so far: Rd 2 9-1 vs. Rouse Hill Rams SC, Rd 3 7-0 vs. Goulburn Strikers, Rd 4 3-1 vs. Woongarrah FC
Panorama FC vs. Coniston FC
Coniston FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament so far when they downed League One ladder leaders Mt Druitt Town Rangers 5-1 in round four to easily move onto the next round. Panorama FC had an extra week off when their round four opponents Mounties Wanderers FC forfeited their match, gifting Panorama the win.
Panorama FC
Association: Bathurst District Football Association
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: With three goals in two game, Jaiden Culbert’s attacking strength will be needed against Coniston.
Results so far: Rd 2 4-4 (4-3 on penalties) vs. Bathurst 75 FC, Rd 3 4-2 vs. Hurstville Glory FC, Rd 4 3-0 (forfeit) vs. Mounties Wanderers FC
Coniston FC
Association: Football South Coast
Round of 32 appearances: 0
Player to watch: Tobias Norval was a gun off the bench in round two and one of the four scorers in round four, with goals the aim of the game in Cup action.
Results so far: Rd 2 6-0 vs. Glebe Wanderers, Rd 3 3-2 vs. Prospect United, Rd 4 5-1 vs. Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC
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