The Western Sydney Wanderers continued their preparations for next week’s Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32 clash with a productive behind-closed-doors training match against Hakoah on Wednesday night.
With the focus firmly on fine-tuning preparations ahead of competitive football returning next week, the private hit-out provided head coach Ufuk Talay a valuable opportunity to build match fitness, continue developing combinations and give minutes across the squad in a resounding performance.
The Wanderers made an energetic start, pressing high and moving the ball with intent from the opening whistle. After Aydan Hammond threatened early following some good work from Angus Thurgate, Brandon Borrello broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a superb free-kick that found the top corner.Â
The attacking pair continued to combine brilliantly as Borrello turned provider moments later, setting up Hammond to double the advantage before the youngster reacted quickest to a saved effort to make it 3-0 inside 20 minutes.
Borrello then grabbed his second after another flowing attacking move, with the Wanderers repeatedly finding space through quick movement and sharp combination play.
Hammond remained at the centre of the attacking action, striking the crossbar twice before completing his first-half hat-trick midway through the opening period. Alex Gersbach also went close with a curling effort that forced an excellent save as the Wanderers minted control throughout the remainder of the half.
The Wanderers wasted little time extending their advantage after the restart, Hammond added his fourth goal of the afternoon before Borrello completed his own hat-trick, bursting through the Hakoah defence and calmly finishing into the far corner.
A number of substitutions followed as the coaching staff rotated the squad, with Hiroshi Ibusuki making an immediate impact. The forward scored with his very first touch, heading home within seconds of entering the contest from an Atiya Waraga assist before adding his second shortly afterwards, again supplied by Waraga.
Jai Rose also found the scoresheet late in the match after finishing from close range, while further rotations ensured valuable minutes across the playing through.
The contest featured a competitive edge throughout, with a couple of heated moments reflecting the intensity expected from both sides, but the Wanderers remained composed and rounded out the afternoon with an eleventh goal to complete a comprehensive performance.
Now with their first preseason outing complete, the Wanderers now turn their full attention to next week’s Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32 fixture, where preparations move from the training ground to competitive action.
The Wanderers would like to thank Hakoah FC for participating in the training match.
