The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 squad will travel to Barton Park on Friday night to take on St George FC with both teams looking to break a three-game winless run.
The Wanderers NPL 1 side will aim to snap a three-game winless streak in their upcoming match, but will have to do so without the services of Kaan Nizam and Ricky Fransen, following a frustrating 4-0 loss to Blacktown City last Sunday.
St George City will be coming into the match off late heartbreak against NWS Spirit with the side conceded a late Grant Cornwell goal where they were minutes away from picking up their first win since Round 9.
A win for either side will carry more significance than just the three points on offer. The Wanderers, currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder, will be desperate to secure a much-needed victory after three consecutive losses.
They’ll also be looking to tighten their discipline, having already received four red cards in their last three games.
St George FC, on the other hand, enjoyed a strong run between Rounds 5 and 9, earning 13 out of a possible 15 points in what appeared to be a turning point for their season. However, they have since suffered defeats to Sydney United and Blacktown, and most recently, let a two-goal lead slip against NWS Spirit.
The Key Decided: Composure and control
The last three weeks have been a mental battle for both sides, each facing their own unique challenges. The Wanderers have struggled with composure, particularly in moments when things aren’t going their way. The desire to fight for the team and recover a lead has often shifted into desperation, leading to rash decisions and, ultimately, red cards.
In contrast, St George FC has often struggled to maintain control in key moments when their team needs it most. Two rounds ago, Sydney United were reduced to 10 men in the first half while the score was still level at 2-2. Despite the numerical advantage, St George FC failed to capitalise and conceded two more goals, unable to seize control of the game.
They have also failed to maintain their leads against Blacktown and NWS Spirit in recent weeks, with a lack of control and composure in key moments proving costly. This drop in performance came after a strong run of five solid results, highlighting the fine margins that have made all the difference.
This game will be a true test of composure and potentially a turning point for whoever can keep their cool in the games biggest moments.
A win for either side will prove to be more than three points, but ultimately a blueprint going forward in a lesson of composure and control.
NPL NSW Round 13
St George FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday 9 May, 7:30pm
Barton Park
