The game was almost over. Then a former A-League goalkeeper lashed out in extraordinary scenes

Former A-League goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic was sent off in extraordinary stoppage-time scenes as Round 23 of NPL NSW delivered drama at both ends of the table.

NWS Spirit had just scored their third goal in a 3-1 win over St George FC when Janjetovic struck out at Stavros Tserpes, with the commentator describing the incident as a “swinging arm, almost WWF style”.

The pair had clashed moments earlier before tensions boiled over and the veteran goalkeeper was shown a straight red card.

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The result moved Spirit within three points of the top six, while St George FC remain firmly embroiled in the relegation battle.

Their problems intensified after Sydney Olympic edged Wollongong Wolves 3-2 to move within one point of them, with Sebastian Kukucka scoring and producing an outrageous two-nutmeg assist before Daniel Wong grabbed the winner.

Blacktown City boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 3-1 win over SD Raiders, while UNSW earned their first away victory of the season after beating St George City 2-0.

At the summit, Marconi Stallions maintained their four-point lead with a commanding 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Franco Maya and Marko Jesic scored before Golden Boot contender Damien Tsekenis struck his 15th goal of the season.

APIA Leichhardt snapped a three-game losing run to remain in the Premiership hunt after beating Sydney FC 2-1, while Tomoki Wada’s stunning free-kick earned Sydney United 58 a 1-0 win over Rockdale Ilinden.

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Manly United completed the weekend with a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Sutherland Sharks. Darcy Burgess equalised in the 81st minute before substitute Ayumu Kimura produced an outrageous first touch and match-winning finish just seven minutes after coming on.