Wanderers remain undefeated in NYL

The Western Sydney Wanderers remain undefeated for the Foxtel National Youth League season after a 3-2 win over Central Coast Mariners at Marconi Stadium.

Lachlan Scott opened the scoring with his third goal in two games before Mario Shabow and Tariq Maia sealed the result in the second half.
 
Apart from a nervous final five minutes it was a dominant performance with the score line not truly representing what was a comfortable victory for the Red & Black.
 
With Golgol Mebrahtu the only overage player on either team, it was a very energetic start which was the home team open the scoring as Scott hit home a rebound after Mebrahtu’s initial shot was saved.
It was a tempo that remained for the entirety of the half with the Wanderers continually penetrating down the wings and it didn’t take for the Wanderers to double their lead after a cut-back from Scott set-up Mario Shabow in acres of space.
 
The midfielder made no mistake to make it 2-0.
Just when it looked like Wanderers were going to go on with it, the Mariners got back into the game with Trent Buhagiar grabbing one back for the away team to make it 2-1 at half time.
 
The second period opened in the worst possible fashion for the Wanderers with Adam Berry equalising for the Mariners with his shot hitting the underside of the crossbar, bouncing over the line and back into the field of play.
 
Hope was not lost though and it was Lachlan Scott who made something happen.
 
The centre forward collected the ball out wide, beat his opponent and cut inside before shooting. While his shot was saved, the rebound fell to Tariq Maiai who calmly side-footed home the winner.
Despite a few nervous moments in additional time including a red card to Keanu Baccus, the 3-2 scoreline meant the Wanderers finish with four points from their first two games.
 
Next Sunday the Red & Black travel to Lambert Park in Leichhardt for the NYL Sydney Derby. Kick-off is at 7pm.
 
Image credit: Nick Guoth