15-Year-Old Phenomenon Hits Seven Goals in Thrilling Match, Creating a ‘Special Story’ in the Wonderkid Watch

15-year-old prodigy Akeem Gerald scored his second of the season, with Arion Sulemani and Mikey Ghossaini opening their accounts for 2025, alongside goals from Roland Ballah, Ben Dunbar, and Xavier Stella.

This stellar result kept City within two points of Western United.

City’s under-23 side also defeated Moreland City 5-1, with contributions from Julian Recchia, Joel Arena, Yaser Payendeh, Jesse Langa, and Daniel Matina.

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In NPLM VIC, Melbourne Victory faced a 4-1 defeat against the high-flying Avondale FC. Jing Reec scored for the Victory against an Avondale side that secured their fourth consecutive win this season.

Victory’s U23 side, however, triumphed 3-1 over Avondale with goals from Patrick Wall and twins James Houridis and Alexi Houridis, maintaining their lead at the top.

Last-Minute Equaliser Secures Mariners’ First Point of 2025

In the dying seconds of the match, Central Coast Mariners were in desperate need of a goal, and Arthur De Lima delivered on Saturday.

The 17-year-old connected with a cross from Logan Sambrook to score a last-minute header, securing a 2-2 draw for the Mariners against Wollongong Wolves in NPLM NSW.

The Mariners found themselves 2-0 down after quickfire goals from Wollongong put them on the back foot before Ayouk Mow pulled a goal back just before the half-hour mark.

Then, De Lima’s dramatic last-minute effort earned the bottom-placed Mariners their first point of 2025.

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“We recognise that our recent performances haven’t met expectations, but I believe the results don’t reflect the quality of play in most matches,” commented coach Lucas Vilela via NPL NSW.

“The players are starting to understand that football is more than just the ball at their feet, and at times it can be unfair.”

“The last few weeks have been promising. Often, those outside the club don’t see the dedication we put in daily.”

Elsewhere, Sydney FC played out a goalless draw with Manly United, while Western Sydney Wanderers suffered a 2-0 loss to Sydney United.

In the U20s, Max Miller led the Mariners to a 1-0 victory over Wollongong.

Sydney FC edged out Manly 1-0 thanks to a goal from Zac Fowler, marking their first win of the season, while Lachlan Henderson found the net for league leaders Western Sydney in their 1-1 draw against Sydney United.

‘Promising’ Jets Youth International Striving to Advance

Newcastle Jets celebrated a return to form in Football NSW League One, with Ethan Debono continuing his impressive run since joining the club.

Debono made a significant impact off the bench as the third-placed Jets nabbed a 2-1 victory over Hills United on Saturday.

The Malta Under-19 international assisted Oli Cockle’s goal in the second half and then added one of his own soon after.

Previously with Bulls FC Academy and Central Coast Mariners Academy, Debono has made a strong start at Newcastle, contributing two goals and two assists so far in 2025.

“Ethan has integrated seamlessly into our culture, both on and off the field, within the academy this season,” noted head coach Damian Zane in an interview with the Jets. “His dedication in training is exceptional, and he is just a fantastic individual.”

“He’s an exhilarating player, boasting skill, explosive speed, and precision finishing; he’s also committed to working tirelessly for the team. If he maintains this form consistently throughout the season, he could very well be on the cusp of taking the next step.”

Debono, who has also represented the Australian U18 Schoolboys team, has already gained international experience, making his U19 debut for Malta in 2023.

“Representing Malta was undoubtedly one of my proudest moments, not just for me but for my entire family,” the young talent shared with the Jets. “It was something I’d aspired to since I was young, and to finally get that opportunity was incredible. It was a fantastic experience to step into a different environment, embracing the new culture and playing style.”

In other League One news, 11th-placed Bulls FC Academy played out a 2-2 draw with Macarthur Rams.

Levi Sciuriaga and Zane Helweh put the Bulls ahead with a 2-0 lead, but the Rams rallied on home soil to level the scores.

In the U20 match, a brace from Bassam Sabbagh, alongside goals from Jeremiah Davids, Hamza Bangash, and Atiya Waraga, propelled the Bulls to a 4-0 victory against the Rams.

The Jets dominated Hills United 6-1, powered by a brace from Amos Okumu along with goals from Tommy Edmonds, Lucas Johnson, Aleu Arou, and Wil Southcombe.

Newcastle have maintained a perfect record after their first four games, sitting at the top with 18 goals scored and just four conceded, while the Bulls are in third place, trailing by three points.

In NPLM QLD, Brisbane Roar were defeated 3-0 by reigning champions Lions FC in Round 2.

Brisbane welcomed back Subway Joeys trio Quinn MacNicol, Charlie Parkin, and Rhys Williams after Australia’s victory at the Hattrick U17 International tournament.

In NPLM SA, Adelaide United conceded a last-minute goal to lose 1-0 against Adelaide Comets.

Meanwhile, the Reds’ reserve side played to a 2-2 draw against the Comets, with goals from Emerson Koenig and Ali Mohtashami.

In NPLM WA, Perth Glory suffered a narrow defeat, ultimately losing 4-3 to Sorrento FC in their Night Series semi-final, with goals from Khoa Ngo, Max Naylor, and Sebastian Despotovski not enough to secure a win.