SD Raiders may call their home ‘the fortress’, but it was well and truly breached on Saturday, as the Western Sydney Wanderers FNSW League One side romped to a 3-0 victory.
Backed by a band of vocal fans behind one of the goals, the Wanderers got off to the perfect start, with Connor Rose latching onto a long ball before showing composure to set up Jakov Malbasa, who finished past the keeper for his fourth goal of the season.
The home side pressed high in an attempt to get themselves back in the game, but there were few clear cut opportunities for either team until the 32nd minute.
This is when Rose’s pace proved too much for the Raiders defence, and he was brought down in the box by a lazy challenge.
He was entrusted with converting the penalty, and he duly obliged, sending the keeper the wrong way and ensuring the side held a 2-0 lead going into the break.
Raiders pressed high once again at the start of the second half to try and change the game, but the Wanderers, with the help of some substitutions by coach Tomi Vidovic, were able to weather the storm and kept their control on the game.
And they were rewarded when Malbasa turned provider for Rose, whose low and powerful drive from the edge of the area capped off a wonderful performance for the forward; his celebration with the fans was a highlight of the night.
The Wanderers were able to comfortably see out the last 20 minutes and secured a second away win on the bounce, as well as a first clean sheet since the opening weekend.
The win also puts the side back into the top four promotion spots, and leaves them just three points off league leaders Northern Tigers.
The boys in Red & Black return home next round, facing St George FC under the lights at Wanderers Football Park.
