06/06/2026
Match Preview : Marconi Stallions v Wollongong Wolves
The Wolves (4th) travel to Marconi Stadium to take on 3rd placed Marconi Stallions (after last night's results) for Round 18 of the 2026 National Premier League New South Wales season.
Both teams go into today's clash on the back of differing results. Wolves unbeaten run of 12 league games finally came to an end in a 0-1 defeat to University of New South Wales FC at The Village Green. Marconi were gaining a point in a 1-1 draw against Rockdale Ilinden at Marconi Stadium.
Head-2-Head
This meeting will be the 98th time the two teams have met in competitive matches stretching back to Round 15 of the 1981 National Soccer League season, when on 31st May at Marconi Stadium the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in front of 2,400 spectators. Goals coming from Wolves' Lee Adam on 21 minutes and Marconi's Eddie Krncevic on 43 minutes.
The Wolves line up that day was Jim Preston, John Fleming, Chris Dunleavy, Billy de Graaf, Jeff Ainsworth, Jock Morlando, Lee Adam, John Lathan, Peter Tredinnick, Glen Fontana (Paul Kay 79) and Clive Campbell.
Wollongong's first victory at Marconi Stadium came the following year in Round 26 of the 1982 NSL Season in front of 2,034 spectators. Wolves travelled to Marconi sitting pretty in the NSL table and on the back of a 2-1 home win the previous week over Adelaide City at the Wollongong Showground.
Going into the game, Player-Coach Chris Dunleavy was bolstered with the news that the so called 'Three Musketeers' of himself, Arno Bertogna and Jeff Ainsworth were all available to make the trip. Dunleavy and Arno Bertogna were returning from suspension which saw them miss the victory over Adelaide City whilst Jeff Ainsworth was available after his medical issue the previous week which saw the strong defender taken to hospital after breaking down in the changing room with difficulty breathing.
Kick off was moved to 15:00 to allow spectators the opportunity to watch the coverage of the Europe vs The Rest of the World match that kicked off at 13:30 Australian Time.
The first half saw some crisp moves from the Wolves who were enjoying the game although it was the hosts who were to fashion out the first chance. However, that chance was missed and on 12 minutes the Wolves took the lead. After Ivo Prskalo had lost the ball carelessly, Alan Waldron pounced and played a quick, long pass which Peter Tredinnick was able to head into the Marconi goal. Marconi had an opportunity to equalise but Marcus Silva's effort was cleared by Wolves' goalscorer Peter Tredinnick. Wolves then had the opportunity to make it two as Roy Cotton spurned a chance by firing over the bar following a move including a one-two with Alan Waldren.
The Wolves did make it two though in the 49th minute through Roy Cotton, making up for his earlier miss by evading two challenges before beating Alan Maher in the Marconi goal. However, as is the way with the Wolves, they decided to make it though when, barely a minute later, Lee Adam's back pass landed at the feet of Mark Jankovics who rounded Jim Preston to make it a one goal game.
Victory for the Wolves kept the pressure on second placed St George in the table. (Match Reports courtesy of Australian Soccer Weekly and Illawarra Mercury ⬇️)
The Wolves team that triumphed that day was: Jim Preston, Peter Willis, Arno Bertogna, Jeff Ainsworth, John Fleming, Lee Adam, Larry Gaffney, Alan Waldron, Peter Tredinnick, Roy Cotton, Phil O'Connor
In other news, Willie Wallace declared his availability to be the Wolves Coach for the 1983 season. The former Glasgow Celtic midfielder stated that he had not committed to any other club and was keen to take the Wolves job.
When these teams meet you can guarantee excitement and attacking football.
Full Record : P 97 W 27 D 22* L 48 GF 127 GA 174
*The game in Round 15 of the 1994-95 season was drawn 2-2. Wolves won the penalty shoot out 2-0 and therefore gained an extra point (2 points). Marconi received 1 point for the original draw.
Today's Venue
Marconi Stadium once boasted a capacity of 15,000 and then 12,000 when it was an all-seater venue, it now holds around 9,000 fans. Soccer is the main sport played at the ground, but other sports have been played on the odd occasion such as a Rugby Sevens match in 1996 between Italy and Lebanon. The venue was also used as a training camp for Australia as part of their preparation for their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
The stadium was built along with the foundations of the club and has accordingly grown with it since 1960. After the end of the NSL and the failure of Marconi to enter the new national competition the A-League, the full capacity of the stadium was no longer needed.
The Eastern stand in particular fell into disuse and was eventually declared unsafe due to a shifting foundation. By 2018 the seating had been removed, the foundation repaired, a raised structure built containing a box for commentary or camera operators, with the rest of the former grandstand area being converted into a basic grassy hill.
The iconic football on a tower has recently been re-painted and provides an interesting entrance to the ground.
NPL New South Wales
Marconi Stallions FC
KO U20s 13:00 1st Grade 15:00
🎫 $15:00 U16s Free
🏟 Marconi Stadium
🚌 Bus 817 from Fairfield Station - Stand A
📺 Football NSW YouTube Channel
