An own goal by Aidan Simmons proved to be the difference as St George City FA edged out the Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side in a 1-0 tightly contested match.
The Western Sydney Wanderers fell to St George City FA in a close, end-to-end contest, with a miscommunication resulting in an Aidan Simmons own goal—the decisive moment that secured St George City their second consecutive win.
The Red & Black had begun the game on the front foot with a spectacular piece of build up that culminated in an Awan Laul strike which was caught by Goalkeeper Jack Kenny.
Ten minutes later, Simmons launched a shot with velocity from distance that forced Kenny into another flying save.
The first half concluded at nil-all in what was a tight contest, only one shot on target separated the two sides in what felt like a battle heading towards stalemate.
Despite the even nature of the contest, the Wanderers could argue they created the better chances—none more telling than in the 53rd minute, when they turned a Marc McNulty header into a blistering counter-attack that nearly saw Kaan Nizam open the scoring.
The shot looked destined for the back of the net, but Kenny parried it away with another flying save.
The game’s decisive moment came in the 64th minute when St George goalkeeper Kenny launched a goal kick that sailed from one 18-yard box to the other. The long ball led to a miscommunication between Simmons and goalkeeper Lucas Sinnott, resulting in Simmons accidentally heading the ball into his own net.
Lachlan Tilt found himself collecting his second yellow card of the game, as he was given his marching orders late in the game.
Ultimately, the Wanderers will feel they deserved more from the match, but once again, a lack of finishing proved costly. With both sides entering the contest struggling for goals, it was fitting—if unfortunate—that the game was decided by an own goal.
The Red & Black return to Wanderers Football Park on Sunday to face Blacktown City in what is now beginning to feel like a must win if the Wanderers have any aspirations to play football past the regular season.
