A first half double to Labinot Haliti has given the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers 2-nil victory over Blacktown City in front of 3,472 fans at Lily Homes Stadium.
A first half double to Labinot Haliti has given the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers 2-ni l victory over Blacktown City in front of 3,472 fans at Lily Homes Stadium.
Coach Tony Popovic again rotated his squad throughout the match with a mix of confirmed signings and triallists getting quality match time.
The opening goal came through the left boot of forward Labinot Haliti in the 10th minute. The 27-year-old received the ball 25m out from goal and with plenty of time on the ball he managed to connect beautifully and the Blacktown City Goal Keeper Brody Crane had little chance of covering the shot.
Seven minutes prior to the break it was Haliti again who seemed to have an age with the ball at his feet.
The ball was being controlled by the Wanderers and the left foot of Haliti again worked the ball passed the outstretched hand of Crane between the Blacktown City posts.
The second half saw a number of changes with a goal of building combinations and showcasing a number of players the members and fans have not seen previously. Although no further goals were scored there were a number of highlights that would encourage Coach Tony Popovic.
Goal Keeper Ante Covic was happy to record his third successive clean sheet.
“As a Goal Keeper that is obviously the goal (to have a clean sheet) and both Jerrad (Tyson) and myself are working hard to main that record,” Covic said. “Keeping the opposition to zero is definitely a testament to the guys out on the pitch as well, they are working hard all over the park.
“Poppa (Tony Popovic) is building things nicely and as we continue to work on our combinations we are hopeful that come round one we-ll be in a good position to get a victory.”
