The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 Side went down 1-0 to Blacktown City in a tightly contested affair that saw a late Reuben Awaritefe goal seal the win for the home side.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side fell 1-0 to local rivals Blacktown City in a tightly contested encounter. An 83rd-minute strike from Reuben Awaritefe proved decisive, moving Blacktown closer to securing finals football while leaving the Wanderers still battling to avoid relegation.
The Wanderers looked to strengthen their side in a bid to secure NPL safety, welcoming back Aydan Hammond, Aidan Simmons, Nathan Barrie and Oscar Priestman into the starting side as they searched for victory at a ground they historically struggled at.
The Wanderers controlled the early stages, holding possession for much of the opening ten minutes. Positive combination play down the left flank saw Abdul-Rahman and Hammond link up with Simmons as they looked to put the Blacktown defence under pressure.
Despite the early pressure, Edmun Haddad would land the first threatening strike, as his half volley would bounce off the cross bar.
Blacktown’s Mitchell Malia would be presented with the games first clear chance, as his run in behind found him one on one with Tristan Vidackovic. Vidackovic would ultimately make the save as his outstretched leg would deny Blacktown’s main man.
Simmons would fire a shot late in the half to no avail, as the two sides would head into the break level.
The second half produced few clear chances as both defences held firm, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 83rd minute when a defensive mix-up allowed former Wanderer Reuben Awaritefe to strike the decisive blow against his old side.
The Wanderers would pile the pressure on in the remaining ten minutes of play, but the Blacktown defence would hold firm as the Wanderers head into the final two games facing the possibility of relegation.
The Wanderers face a must-win clash against St George FC to keep their survival hopes alive. Anything less than three points could prove costly, with a Mount Druitt victory over Sutherland Sharks potentially confirming relegation should the Wanderers fail to secure a result on Saturday.
