The young Wanderers return to Wanderers Football Park this weekend, keen to right the wrongs of their last NPL NSW match up when they face APIA Leichhardt FC.
The side endured a difficult outing away to an in-form Rockdale Ilinden FC. An injury to first choice centre-back Alex Bonetig contributed to the concession of four second half goals in a heavy 5-1 defeat that saw their opponents win their fifth game in a row.
It was a steep learning curve against an experienced and talented side, and the Wanderers will have a great chance to show their resilience when they face another heavyweight team in APIA.
APIA, whilst still undefeated, have dropped points in two of their last three games. Their last round was especially surprising, as they let a two goal lead slip at home as the Bulls FC
Academy fought back to earn a 2-2 draw. APIA sit in second place, but have lost some of their attacking spark since the departure of Jason Romero to Macarthur FC.
Jack Armson and Jack Stewart have picked up some of the slack, each scoring three goals.
They also have the strongest defence in the league, only conceding five goals in seven matches.
The Wanderers attack featuring the likes of Marcus Younis, Nathaneal Blair and Zac Sapsford will need to be at it’s best to trouble the APIA defence, but scoring for the boys in Red & Black hasn’t been an issue this season, with the side netting 14 goals.
It is at the back where the Wanderers are seeking improvement and a first clean sheet of the season. Doing so against a strong APIA side would fill them with a huge amount of confidence.
A win for the Wanderers would see them gain a vital three points that would lift them from the bottom half of the table and give their season a massive boost.
NPL NSW Round 8
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs APIA Leichhardt FC
Saturday 25 May 2023, 7pm
Wanderers Football Park
