The Nichols & Castelen Combination

Romeo Castelen believes last night’s win over Mt Druitt Town Rangers was the perfect way to kick-off the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers’ pre-season.

The 3-0 victory in front of a near-capacity crowd at Popondetta Park saw the Dutch flyer put in an impressive 45 minutes with his goal sandwiched between Mark Bridge and Kevin Ly strikes.
 
“It’s our first game and it’s good to score a goal. The most important thing is to get game fitness and play matches,” the winger explained.
 
Often dropping deep and central to receive the ball, Castelen did not wait to show the form which had fans so excited at the back end of last season: attacking space, beating defenders and creating opportunities.
 
It was his combination with new signing Mitch Nichols that really caught the eye with the pair exchanging a number of passes in and around the box to set-up chances.
 
“It was positive, we now move on and keep working on what we have been going.
 
“That’s what we did tonight and we will gel even more over the next few months.”
 
Ultimately it was that combination that set-up the second goal as vision and touch saw Nichols hit a first-time ball to Castelen who found himself in 40 yards of space.
 
Easily rounding the keeper it was then a simple task for the former Dutch international to dribble the ball into the back of an open net.
 
With an injury in the FIFA Club World Cup disrupting what was turning into a good personal season for Castelen, he was happy to report that there are no issues leading into 2015/16.
 
“I felt good, I had no problems and I played in only 45 minutes so it was alright.
 
“The most important thing was that there were no injuries and everybody got out onto the pitch.”
 
The Wanderers next play in Coffs Harbour against Central Coast Mariners before returning to Western Sydney to take on Brisbane Roar in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.
 
Ticket and information on both matches are available by clicking here.