Welcome to Wonderkid Watch: your weekly update on the rising stars and captivating stories from A-League clubs participating in the NPL across Australia.
* No NPL matches were held in Queensland, Victoria, or South Australia this weekend due to Easter.
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Despotovski nets four goals in 53 minutes as Perth Glory dominate
Perth Glory climbed to second place in NPL Western Australia after a commanding 5-0 victory over Perth RedStar, largely due to a stunning display from 19-year-old Sebastian Despotovski.
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A son of Glory legend Bobby, who netted over 100 goals for the club between 1996 and 2007, Despotovski struck four times within just 53 minutes, a performance that will certainly bolster his chances of making his A-League debut.
“My aim is to improve every day in training and to showcase that in matches,” the young player remarked recently.
“I’m hopeful for a call-up to the A-League by the end of the season.”
Nathanael Blair, who has made 14 appearances for David Zdrilic’s team in the Isuzu UTE A-League this season, also contributed to the scoreline, while Despotovski delivered a performance filled with exquisite finishes.
The standout goal was a magnificent curling effort into the top corner to complete his hat-trick just before half-time.
The Glory currently sit two points behind leaders Bayswater City after five rounds in NPL WA.
Goals rain down in Sydney as youth stars shine in U20 NPL
In New South Wales, it was a disheartening weekend for A-League academies in the senior NPL divisions.
Sydney FC appeared set for a victory over Wollongong Wolves thanks to a spectacular free-kick from Alen Harbas and a goal from Marin France; unfortunately, a last-gasp equaliser meant they had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Returning from an 18-month loan in Finland with FC KTP, 21-year-old Harbas is captaining the club’s NPL team and has started every match this season.
Meanwhile, the Western Sydney Wanderers faced a tough loss, going down 8-1 to Rockdale Ilinden. Former Macarthur Bulls forward Ali Auglah scored a hat-trick within 12 minutes, with Aidan Simmons managing the only goal for the A-League side.
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The Wanderers found themselves in dire straits as defender Nathan Barrie, who made his A-League debut at 17 under Marko Rudan last March, was shown a second yellow card in the 49th minute.
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Central Coast Mariners also faced defeat, losing 3-0 to league leaders Marconi Stallions.
However, the story was brighter in the Under-20s, as both Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers celebrated significant victories, highlighted by hat-tricks from standout players.
Teenage prospect Zac Fowler netted his second hat-trick of the season, helping the Sky Blues Under-20s crush Wollongong Wolves 6-1. Transferred this season from Brisbane Roar, where he thrived last year, Fowler has now scored seven goals this season while stepping in for the senior NPL side.
The Wanderers triumphed over Rockdale Ilinden, winning 7-3, thanks to a stellar performance from Oscar Morrison, who scored his first three goals of the season during the match.
This impressive win places the Wanderers firmly at the top of the NPL Men’s NSW U20 table, with a record of nine wins, one draw, and one loss from their initial 11 matches. In contrast, Sydney FC currently occupies ninth place.
The Mariners succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against Marconi Stallions, with Ahmad Elhelou scoring a consolation goal for his team.
In women’s football, the Wanderers edged out Macarthur Rams 3-2, with goals from Miriam Zumaya, Nikita Fazzari, and Amelia Cassar, while Bulls FC Academy salvaged a 3-3 draw against Illawarra Stingrays, thanks to late goals from Isabella Coco-Di Sipio, who netted twice, and Elizabeth Grey.
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On Easter Monday, the Newcastle Jets were involved in an exhilarating match, drawing 3-3 with APIA Leichhardt until lightning and thunder interrupted the game.
Claire Adam opened the scoring within 30 seconds, followed by goals from Alexis Collins and India Breier.
The match will be resumed at a later date to be determined by Football NSW and the involved clubs.
After seven rounds in the NPL Women’s NSW, the Wanderers sit in fifth, the Bulls in 10th, and the Newcastle Jets are positioned 13th, though they have a game in hand.
Wellington Reserves surge ahead at the top of the league
The Wellington Phoenix men’s reserves are currently leading the Dettol Central League after a narrow 1-0 victory over Miramar Rangers AFC.
New Zealand Under-17 international Luke Flowerdew scored the decisive goal, securing four wins from four matches for the Nix, who have tallied 12 goals and conceded only once.
Flowerdew, who will turn 19 in June, has been with the club’s academy since 2022.
In other news, the Phoenix’s U18 side fell to a 3-2 defeat against Miramar in the Capital Premier Division, despite goals from Riley Allison and Mac Munro.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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