Down to 10 men. Then Noah Chianese happened

Sometimes, football refuses to follow the script. Reduced to 10 men after just 24 minutes and trailing at half-time, SD Raiders looked destined to leave Wollongong empty-handed in NPL NSW.

Then Noah Chianese happened.

The striker produced a sensational 48-minute hat-trick to inspire one of the performances of the NPL NSW season, leading the Raiders to a 3-2 comeback victory over Wollongong Wolves despite playing more than 70 minutes a man down.

It was a defining moment in the club's maiden campaign in the state's top flight.

The result also capped a dramatic Round 24 that blew the Premiership race wide open.

League leaders Marconi Stallions suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Sydney United, ending their 14-match unbeaten run, while APIA Leichhardt took full advantage with a thrilling 5-3 comeback victory over Western Sydney Wanderers.

Trailing twice away from home, APIA stormed home through a Presley Ortiz double and Max Court's decisive strike to move within one point of top spot with six rounds remaining.

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Golden Boot leader Awan Lual was also on target for the Wanderers - taking his tally to 17 for the season.

Rockdale Ilinden kept the pressure on the leading pack by dismantling St George FC 6-1, while Blacktown City returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over St George City as new recruits Alou Kuol and Sasha Kuzevski both found the net.

UNSW continued their late-season charge with a third straight win, defeating NWS Spirit 3-1 to leapfrog them on the ladder, while Sydney FC and Manly United shared an entertaining scoreless draw.

Elsewhere, Sydney Olympic earned a valuable point in their fight against relegation after drawing 1-1 with Sutherland Sharks.