Manly United will play finals football in 2026 after a dominant 4–0 victory over Wollongong Wolves in the final round of the regular season.
Heading to Macedonia Park knowing a win would secure their place in the top six, the boys delivered when it mattered, producing an impressive attacking display to take a commanding three-goal lead into the break.
After Wollongong made a lively start, Ayumu Kimura opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing a first-time cross from Kakeru Ono. Manly doubled their advantage nine minutes later when another dangerous Ono delivery caused problems in the Wolves penalty area, allowing Aaron O’Driscoll to fire home from close range.
And there was more to come before the break. O’Driscoll flicked on another Ono corner, leaving Ben Koop to head home at the back post and send Manly into half-time 3–0 ahead.
The Wolves came out looking for a response after the break, but Manly remained composed and disciplined, with Harry Turner keeping the hosts at bay and preserving the clean sheet. Substitute Monty Peppel – on his league debut – then put the result beyond any doubt in the 82nd minute, finishing a move involving Jesse Piriz and Kit Harper to make it 4–0.
Finals Football Beckons for Seniors
It was an emphatic way to finish the regular season and, more importantly, secured the team fifth place and a spot in the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW Finals Series.
The First Grade joined the U20s in being finals bound, who despite going down to a late goal against Wollongong on Sunday, had already done enough to secure their place in the top four.
The club congratulates our Senior Men, who have worked tirelessly this season to reach this point. No time to celebrate just yet, with both teams back in action this week in their respective semi-finals fixtures.
First Grade:
Sutherland Sharks v Manly United
Wednesday, 2 September – 7:30pm
Seymour Shaw
U20s:
Manly United v NWS Spirit FC
Thursday, 3 September – 7:30pm
Cromer Park
Best of luck to the Senior Men in their semi finals this week. Let’s finish the season on a high!
________________________________________
Please support our teams on their hunt for Grand Finals football! Head to the games and be part of the Manly massive cheering the boys to victory!
Buy tickets for Sutherland Sharks v Manly United here:
Sutherland Sharks vs Manly United FC | Home Semi Final – September 2nd
Image credit: Brett Nielsen
