Our Australia Cup journey continues as we face NPL Queensland side Lions FC on Tuesday night in the Round of 16.
It marks a return to the sunshine state for the Wanderers, after they defeated fellow semi-pro side Brisbane City 2-1 in the Round of 32 at the end of last month.
In coach Alen Stajcic’s first game in charge, Western Sydney raced out of the blocks to get into a two goal lead after just seven minutes, with Gab Cleur scoring his first goal for the club in the fourth minute, and Alex Badolato netting an almost open goal just minutes later.
The Wanderers were in control of proceedings for much of the game, but their rustiness after the long pre-season, as well as player and staff changes showed, as they lacked cohesion at times.
There were occasions where the Wanderers easily got the ball into the final third, but their final pass or shot let them down, with Nicolas Milanovic and Brandon Borrello in particular disappointed they didn’t get on the scoresheet.
The profligacy in front of goal gave City a chance to pull off a comeback when they scored in the 78th minute, and Lawrence Thomas had to pull off a fantastic stop to deny them in stoppage time.
Given the circumstances, it was a solid result and also allowed for a great moment for two young Wanderers, with Awan Lual and Jesse Cameron making their professional debuts off the bench late in the match.
The pre-season preparations for the Wanderers have been ramping up, with the side playing in a friendly match against expansion side Auckland FC at Wanderers Football Park.
They proved their attack performances are improving, with the side securing a 4-2 win as Zac Sapsford scored a double, whilst Milanovic and Borrello also scored.
Stajcic will be encouraged by the result, but will be pushing the side to continue their evolution in their Australia Cup tie.
They may be boosted by the presence of new signings, with exciting midfielder Bozhidar Kraev and goalkeeper Jordan Holmes joining up with the side in recent days, and are in the frame to play in Brisbane.
Alex Bonetig has also been impressive in pre-season, and will hope to start at centre back once again to continue his momentum.
There is some former A-League Men’s talent in the Lions side, with Matthew Ridenton and Josh Brindell-South all featuring for the likes of Brisbane Roar, Wellington Phoenix and the Newcastle Jets.
The Lions reached the Round of 32 thanks to a 4-1 win on the road against Perth RedStar, with the Queensland side recording a come from behind victory.
Two goals just before the break from Andy Pengelly and Jake Bulla Minett swung the momentum in their favour, before second half goals from Luke Broderick and Alexander Fiechtner made the game safe.
Their league form has suffered in recent weeks, without a win in their last five games before the finals campaign, though they did win the Kappa Queensland Cup over the weekend with a 3-0 win over Moreton City Excelsior.
A win for the Wanderers would see them face either Olympic Kingsway FC or Adelaide United in the quarter-finals.
