The 2025 Emerging Socceroos Championships delivered another thrilling day of football action.
Day four of the tournament saw Northern NSW Football squads secure a win in the placement quarter-final and a heartbreaking loss in the quarter-final.
The under-15s secured their second win of the tournament when they defeated Northern Territory 3-0.
NNSWF came out of the gates firing as they looked to get the upper hand early in the match.
Archie Kellett opened the scoring for the day in the 13th minute when he chipped the Northern Territory goalkeeper and sent the ball into the back of the net.
The under-15s looked to build momentum before the match was halted due to an injury to the Northern Territory goalkeeper.
The players returned to the field for the second half, and it took NNSWF only six minutes to double the lead after Kaiden Walshe headed the ball into the goal in the 36th minute.
Eamon Gallard netted the third and final goal of the morning in the 41st minute after he unleashed a powerful shot from the top left of the box and curled it into the top left corner.
The under-15s will take on Football Association of Malaysia in the placement semi-final tomorrow morning.
It was a hard-fought 3-1 defeat for the under-16s as they narrowly went down against Football NSW Sky and missed out on semi-finals.
The match was high intensity from the first whistle with so much on the line for both teams.
Football NSW Sky were firing but NNSWF continued to absorb the persistent attacking pressure.
Sam Proctor looked to open the scoring in the 10th minute after he picked up the ball on the counter but hit the post.
The two sides could not be separated and went into half-time locked up 0-0.
NNSWF continued to push to take the lead, and the moment finally came in the 40th minute.
A scrap in front of the box sent the ball to Nikolas Sklavos who wasted no time to send it into the goal.
The under-16s continued to push to add a second on the scoreboard, but Football NSW Sky equalised in the 48th minute.
Football NSW Sky took the lead in the 51st minute after they were awarded a penalty.
Momentum swung in Football NSW Sky’s favour, and they netted their third goal in the 54th minute.
NNSWF's determination showed as they tried to find another for the afternoon but the score remained 3-1 when the final whistle blew.
The under-16s will look to bounce back when they go head-to-head with Capital Football in the placement semi-final tomorrow afternoon.
NNSWF Technical Director Ryan Doidge applauded the efforts displayed by both sides on day four of the tournament.
“It was a great effort by the boys today in both squads,” Doidge said.
“It was a tough first game for the under-15s boys coming into it on the back of a disappointing game for them yesterday and I thought that they handled the game well and ultimately came out on top.
“It was a fantastic effort from our under-16s in the quarter-final against Football NSW.
“They showed massive levels of determination and enthusiasm and I’m really proud of their efforts.
“Hopefully they can continue that into tomorrow and we can finish the tournament strong.”
Day Five Fixtures:
Under-15s
Malaysia v Northern NSW
Thursday 10 July, 10am
Home of the Matildas, Field 4
Under-16s
Capital Football v Northern NSW
Thursday 10 July, 1:20pm
Home of the Matildas, Field 5
More on the Emerging Socceroos Championships
CLICK HERE to view the Official Emerging Socceroos Championships Digital Program with Fixtures
CLICK HERE to watch* the Emerging Socceroos Championships thanks to Kommunity TV (*subscription required)
CLICK HERE to view the live tables and results
