One history-making night: APIA and SD Raiders keep the NPL dream alive

It was one history-making night for the National Premier Leagues as APIA Leichhardt and SD Raiders both booked their places in the Australia Cup Round of 16.

APIA reached the last 16 for the sixth time in club history after defeating NPL QLD leaders Peninsula Power 2-1, while fellow NPL NSW outfit SD Raiders advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time ever with a memorable 2-1 victory over Rochedale Rovers.

Despite dominating the opening half, APIA had to wait until first-half stoppage time to break through when Jack Stewart finished off a clever Michael Konestabo backheel.

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Sean Symons then doubled the advantage early in the second half with his first goal of the season before Kane Gibbs pulled one back for Peninsula Power, but APIA stood firm to progress.

SD Raiders, meanwhile, continued their remarkable Australia Cup journey by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in club history with victory over Rochedale.

Luka Knezevic etched his name into club folklore by scoring the Raiders' first-ever goal at the national stage before an own goal doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.

Harry Talbot converted from the penalty spot to give the Queensland visitors hope, but the Raiders held on to continue their historic run.