The Wanderers’ difficult run of form in the NPL NSW competition continued over the weekend, as Wollongong Wolves secured a 2-0 win at Wanderers Football Park.
Goals in either half were enough for the away side to secure victory, as a youthful Wanderers side were still stuck in their funk that has impacted them in recent weeks.
Coach Andrew Christiansen reverted to a back four after experimenting with a three-at-the-back formation, though he was without the suspended Luke Nieuwenhof.
Wollongong were in strong form coming into the match, and they carried the momentum into the opening stages of the match, as they forced goalkeeper Lucas Sinnott into some fine saves.
However, the gloveman could do nothing about Sebastian Hernandez’s drive from long-range, as his shot from at least 25 yards out flew into the top corner after 15 minutes to give Wollongong the lead.
The Wanderers attempted to get a foothold in the game, with Mason Fernandez coming close to catching out Vedran Janjetovic with a lob from way out, but the Wolves keeper recovered.
A confident Wolves side put the young Wanderers under periods of pressure, and they doubled their lead in the second half after Lachlan Scott tapped home a rebound after Sinnott made an initial save.
Substitute Dallo Sandy had two good chances to bring the Wanderers back in the game, but he unfortunately sent both chances over the bar as the Wanderers searched for a comeback.
Striker Awan Lual had a late attempt on goal to halve the deficit, but Janjetovic was able to dive down and make a save, condemning the Wanderers to defeat.
The Wanderers are now in sixth on the table, and travel to face St George FC on Saturday.
