Promotion/Relegation Play-off Final
Kahibah FC 2-1 Newcastle Croatia
Kahibah FC head coach Blair Newham said relief was the overriding emotion after his side held on to secure their NPL Men’s NNSW status for the 2027 season with a 2-1 win over Newcastle Croatia at Hunter City Motor Group Stadium.
It was a huge occasion at the ground, with both sets of fans packing out the stand for a decider that would decide who plays NPL Men’s NNSW football next season.
Croatia started the game fast. They wasted no time showing their attacking threat, getting shots away and finding the box early.
Both sides quickly had to deal with strong wind conditions, which caused problems all afternoon.
Croatia's early pressure nearly told when Yuhei Sato got beyond the Kahibah backline, but goalkeeper Isaac Quinn produced a good save to keep it scoreless.
The chance served as a wake-up call for Kahibah, who responded with more intent of their own.
They were rewarded in the 18th minute, winning a free kick in a dangerous area.
Youngster Oscar Crakanthorp stepped up and struck it well into the back of the net to give Kahibah a 1-0 lead.
It was a big blow for Croatia, who had started the game well. Things got worse for the visitors soon after, with Sato forced off through injury just five minutes later.
Kahibah wasted no time pouncing on the disruption. In the 24th minute, Daniel Byrne produced a brilliant touch to skip past the Croatia defender and finish coolly past the keeper, making it 2-0.
Despite falling two behind, Croatia adjusted to the conditions and began playing shorter passes to combat the wind.
Jake McGuinness had a big chance to respond in the 27th minute but was unable to find the back of the net.
With Croatia continuing to apply pressure just 10 minutes later they were handed a lifeline from free kick of their own.
Nick Cowburn showed his quality from distance, curling it into the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 37th minute.
It was the perfect response before the break and Croatia went into half-time with plenty of belief just a goal behind.
The visitors carried that intent into the second half.
In the 57th minute, Luke Jovcevski struck the crossbar from a good position and the loose ball fell to John Majurovski, whose effort was cleared off the line.
Despite being a huge opportunity for Croatia to equaliser, the chance did not dampen their belief and they continued to push forward, though Kahibah defended resolutely to keep them at bay.
With 15 minutes to go, it became a nervy finish for Kahibah as Croatia searched for an equaliser.
Tiredness began to show as both teams struggled to retain possession late on.
Croatia committed men forward in search of the leveller, leaving them more open at the back.
Kahibah nearly settled the contest themselves in the 84th minute, but Byrne was denied one-on-one by Croatia goalkeeper Cesar Serpa.
Croatia had a few half-chances of their own in the closing stages, but Kahibah held firm to see out a 2-1 win and confirm their NPL Men’s NNSW status for another season.
Newham admitted his side weren't at their best but says the result showed the character of the group, especially with the conditions.
"The feeling, it's relief," Newham said.
"We had what we thought was a good enough year, 20 points and we thought we'd be fine. It wasn't to be the case. The league was a bit different this year and every game was a battle which was the story for this game too.
"It was a tough game, tough conditions, tough opponent. We put two quick goals on the board, but that was probably the worst thing that happened to us, because we stopped playing a bit and let Croatia back into it.”
Newham was full of pride at full-time, reflecting on what the achievement means for the club as a whole rather than just the result itself.
"Credit to our playing group and the boys who came off the bench. I feel our squad depth was probably the difference in the match," Newham said.
"I'm proud of the team, I'm proud of the community, I'm proud of the club.
"We've spent 100 years trying to get into the NPL [Men’s NNSW]. We're there now, and we get a second crack at it next year with all the experience we've gained this season."
For Croatia, head coach Joshua Popescu was by no means disappointment, expressing plenty of pride in how his side performed, especially having lost players to injury in the lead-up to the final.
"I thought we were the better team in the second half, which is huge against an NPL side, " Popescu said.
“Our boys should be very proud."
Despite his disappointment in the way his side conceded, Popescu was full of praise for his players' effort and desire throughout the season.
"It was a bit disappointing after a solid start, but nothing sticks out for us as to what we could’ve done better. We're just happy to be here," Popescu said.
Looking ahead, Popescu made clear the club has no intention of settling for what they've already achieved.
"I couldn’t of asked for more this season but it’s just the beginning of the journey. We’re going to start pre-season early and we’re going to be red hot for next year," Popescu said.
For Kahibah, the win completes a solid first season in the NPL Men’s NNSW, one that finished with 20 points and a play-off series they'd have preferred not to be part of it but can be proud to get through.
Skipper Robbie Turnbull will be particularly ecstatic, playing his final career game, lifting the trophy and securing the club's NPL Men’s NNSW status in one fitting send-off.
For Croatia, the defeat caps a fantastic debut season that fell just one goal short of another consecutive promotion.
Despite the loss, there is plenty to be proud of, having shown their quality in large parts of the game against NPL Men’s NNSW opposition.
Both clubs will now turn their attention to recruitment and preparation for 2027, with Kahibah looking to build on a hard-earned campaign and Croatia entering next season as one of the teams to beat in the HIT106.9 Northern League One.