SD Raiders secured their first ever Round of 16 qualification in the Hahn Australia Cup with a hard-fought victory over national stage debutants Rochedale Rovers.
Elsewhere, APIA Leichhardt overcame NPL QLD leaders Peninsula Power 2-1.
Read our recap of the Hahn Australia Cup Matchday One below.
APIA Leichhardt 2 – 1 Peninsula Power
APIA Leichhardt have defeated Peninsula Power 2-1 to advance to the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 16 for the sixth time in their history.
The first half was one that was dominated by APIA Leichhardt, with 10 shots to none, but it looked to be heading into the break scoreless. Up stepped Jack Stewart, who got on the end of a clever backheel from Michael Konestabo to give APIA the lead at the break.
Peninsula Power started the second half the better of the teams but it would be APIA who scored next. A free kick from Seiya Kambayashi was not cleared and fell to the feet of Sean Symons, who tucked it home from close range. It was his first goal of the season in all competitions.
The Power didn’t let up, however. Only moments later Kane Gibbs made a fantastic run on the left and slotted home a tidy finish to the back post. The visitors suddenly had the momentum and looked to take advantage.
However, it was not to be, and it was APIA who will advance to the next stage.
Rochedale Rovers 1 – 2 SD Raiders
It was a dominant night for NPL NSW clubs as SD Raiders did enough to get past debutants Rochedale Rovers.
The Rovers showed plenty of attacking intent in the first half, particularly through Josh Moreland on the left flank. They thought they took the lead early but were denied by the offside flag.
Instead, it was the Raiders who went into the break ahead. Luka Knezevic shot from outside the penalty area to put away the club’s first ever goal at the national stage of the Hahn Australia Cup.
They doubled their lead not long after half-time. Mihael Karcic put in a challenging corner that found its way all the way in via the head of a Rochdale defender.
Rochedale threw everything at finding a goal back and it came via the penalty shot. Mitchell Roberts was felled in the penalty area and Harry Talbot stepped up to convert.
However, the equaliser was not to be. The Raiders advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
