The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side return to Wanderers Football Park on Saturday as they take on Rockdale Ilinden in a must-win clash for both sides.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side will be looking to bounce back from a heart-breaking defeat against Manly United when they take on Finals-bound Rockdale Ilinden in a must-win clash for both teams.
Rockdale Ilinden’s form has wavered since their 13-game unbeaten run ended, losing three of their last five matches and slipping five points behind the league leaders.
Their last win came on 6 July against Blacktown City, and their continued struggles have seen not only their premiership hopes fade, but also their chances of securing an Australian Championship berth.
The Wanderers on the other hand, failed to capitalise on a monumental Sydney Derby win, as Manly United’s last-minute goal saw them scrape away with a 3-2 win. This added to the woes of the Red and Black as the idea of relegation is now becoming a reality with five games to go.
The Wanderers still have to play Rockdale, St George City, Blacktown City and St George FC before a potential relegation play off between themselves and Central Coast, who sit one point above the Wanderers side.
The last meeting between the two sides was one to forget for the Wanderers, as Rockdale stormed to an emphatic 8-1 victory. An Ali Auglah first-half hat-trick sealed the result within 32 minutes, handing the Rooty Hill side their heaviest defeat of the season.
The Key Decider: Endurance
If either one of these teams’ recent run of form is to be defined by one attribute, it would be endurance. Through their recent defeats and draws, a lack of endurance has let both sides down. The two sides inability to keep up with a tennis like match in the NPL has seen them drop points.
Momentum will swing, but the game breaker has been the lack of return serve. The side that is able to not just take advantage of their opportunities but also make the other teams’ misses pay will likely come out on top.
Football is not just a battle of skill, but a battle of out-working your opponent and ensuring you strike while the iron is hot. Which neither side has been able to do in recent times.
There is plenty to play for on Saturday Night, so expect an enthralling affair between two sides who are desperate for three points in their respective battles.
NPL NSW Round 26
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Rockdale Ilinden FC
Saturday 2nd August, 7:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
