NSW League 2 Round 11 Wrap: Hurstville Turn Up the Heat as Flame Burn Bright

James Stuart

Hurstville Zagreb continue their unrelenting march toward promotion, while South Coast Flame lit up the weekend with a statement win.

Thursday Night Fireworks at Hawkesbury

The round kicked off with a bang as Hawkesbury City put six past Fraser Park in a goal-fest that showcased the hosts’ attacking depth. Harry Drew bagged a hat-trick in a ruthless display, and sits atop the stats with 12 scored for the season. He was supported by strikes from Vincent Dermilio, Marcus Dimitri and Archie Drewett. Despite goals from Benjamin Astudillo and Fenn Hodgson-Yu, Fraser Park were ultimately swept aside 6–2.

The result lifts Hawkesbury to third and keeps them firmly in the promotion conversation, just two points behind Prospect United.

Flame Burn Bright, Melita and Rage Stumble

Saturday’s biggest statement came from the South Coast Flame, who dismantled Camden Tigers 6–1 in Shellharbour. Jyden Harb was unstoppable with a hat-trick, while Harrison James, Adam Timpano-Voloder, and Kade Kinsella added to the rout. Andrew Head’s late goal was little consolation for Camden, who now find themselves in a growing relegation scrap.

There were setbacks for a pair of top-four contenders. Parramatta FC were edged 2–1 at home by a confident Prospect United side. Anthony Idehen and Praneet Singh struck in quick succession early in the second half to overturn Melita’s first-half lead.

Meanwhile, Granville Rage returned from the bye with a 3–1 win over bottom-placed Sydney Uni. Uni had taken a shock early lead but were quickly overrun.

Hurstville in Cruise Control

The league leaders continued their dominant run with a routine 3–0 home win over Bankstown United. First-half goals from Michael Neill and Jesse Gagro set the tone, with James Tsokos putting the result beyond doubt just after the hour mark. That’s now five wins on the trot for Hurstville, who sit six points clear at the summit and show no signs of slowing down in their hunt for promotion.

Dunbar Rally, Nepean Find Their Feet

Dunbar Rovers claimed a much-needed win, defeating Inner West Hawks 3–1 away from home. After Paul Gautier’s opener and a brief scare from Jeremy Siarakas’ equaliser, late goals from Dylan-Goran Bozicevic and Jason Trajkovski sealed it for Dunbar, who climb to 10th but remain just four points off fourth place in a congested mid-table.

Nepean FC also found some momentum with a 3–1 home victory over Central Coast United. The hosts scored three before the 40-minute mark, with Cotten’s own goal their only blip. Relegated from League One last year via the playoff, Nepean now sit just outside the top half, while Central Coast remain stuck in 14th with just one win all year.

League Table Snapshot

Hurstville Zagreb remain clear at the top with 28 points and an iron grip on the automatic promotion spot. Prospect United (22 pts) and Hawkesbury (20 pts) lead the chasing pack, while Parramatta and Granville are neck-and-neck on 19. At the other end, Sydney University remain winless, and Central Coast United are struggling to keep pace.