Our NPL NSW side has recorded a courageous victory to remain top of the table, winning 2-0 away to Wollongong Wolves on Sunday.
The Wanderers were without eight senior players – including captain Zac Sapsford and top scorer Nathaneal Blair – but were able to put in a fantastic performance in a top of the table clash, with late goals from Ryley Hollingdale and Leon Alizart securing a fourth win in a row.
With just three players backing up after the midweek win over Central Coast, the Wanderers had early chances through Awan Lual and Adam Bugarija, before Taiga Harper pulled off a smart stop after the Wolves had a powerful drive at the near post.
Anthony Barbic went closest for Western Sydney in the first half as he peeled away to the back post from a corner, only for his effort to bounce off the post and out.
Just after half-time the Wanderers had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot after Phillip Gigliotti was brought down in the area, but Lual’s penalty was well saved by Vedran Janjetovic.
Fullback Jessie Cameron had a golden opportunity soon after, but Janjetovic was able to repel his effort, before the home side had a series of chances, where Harper had to make three big saves within the space of 15 minutes.
They would prove to be crucial as Hollingdale gave the Wanderers the lead in the 77th minute after unleashing a fierce low drive that flew into the corner of the net.
As Wollongong pushed forward, the Wanderers exploited the space in behind, with substitute Alizart getting on the end of a Reshon Tafunai cutback, and he was able to sweep the ball home with a first-time finish to seal victory.
The Wanderers are now two points clear of Marconi at the top of the table, and also kept their first clean sheet of the season; they return home on Saturday to face newly promoted St George FC.
