Manly United endured a difficult evening on the road, falling to SD Raiders – the home side’s first win of the season.
In the First Grade clash, Manly faced an early wave of pressure and were unable to hold off the hosts’ attacking intent, heading into the break 2-0 down.
The team responded positively in the second half, creating several promising opportunities. Ayumu Kimura tested the goalkeeper, while chances fell to Saxon Hillyer, Jesse Piriz and Ben Koop as Manly fought hard to work their way back into the contest.
Despite the home side adding a third, Manly continued to press and were rewarded for their persistence when Luke Nieuwenhof powered home a header to give the visitors a deserved goal. With under ten minutes remaining, they pushed for more but were unable to turn things around.
As has been the case in recent weeks, there were positive passages of play and moments where Manly looked in control, but turning those spells into decisive outcomes remains a key focus.
U20s Just Edged Out
The U20s were similarly tested in their fixture, but showed control for large periods, pushing throughout the full ninety minutes before being undone by a goal in the 73rd minute.
The squad now looks to regroup, build on the encouraging signs from recent games and find that edge to convert strong performances into points in the weeks ahead.
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Image credit: Football NSW
