Top spot, byline brilliance and a title race heating up

A new NPL NSW leader, a derby statement and another Travis Major masterclass.

Round 14 delivered a major twist in the title race.

In a blockbuster top-of-the-table showdown at Lambert Park, APIA Leichhardt defeated Sydney United 2-1 to climb into first place.

Teenage sensation Oscar Gonzalez continued his remarkable rise, scoring the winner in the derby - his fourth goal in as many games.

Blacktown City stayed firmly in the hunt thanks to captain Travis Major.

The club’s all-time leading goalscorer struck twice in a 2-1 win over St George FC, including an outrageous finish from the byline that left everyone wondering how it even went in.

Veteran skipper Marko Jesic rolled back the years with a brace as Marconi swept aside Sydney Olympic, while Rockdale Ilinden surged into fourth after a commanding 3-0 victory over Sydney FC.

Down the other end of the table, Manly United secured a huge win in the fight for survival against UNSW FC, while St George City finally snapped their seven-game winless streak at the expense of Sutherland Sharks 1-0.

Elsewhere, there was nothing to separate SD Raiders and NWS Spirit, while Western Sydney Wanderers and Wollongong Wolves also shared the points in tense scoreless draws.