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NPL 1 Preview: Sutherland Sharks v Wanderers

Our NPL NSW side travels to face the Sutherland Sharks on Saturday, looking to convert their recent positive performances into a crucial win.

It has been a tale of frustration for the team, having drawn three of their last five matches including twice when they held a two goal lead; it shows the side is capable of taking matches to any team in the competition, but they have just been unable to get over the line in recent weeks.

Their last clash saw the side pegged back three times in an enthralling 3-3 draw away to Marconi Stallions.

Nicolas Milanovic was the star of the show with two goals, and Zac Sapsford was also impressive getting two assists.

Despite the frustration of dropped points, their improved performances have enabled them to slowly climb closer to Mt Druitt who are currently in 14th place, and they could leapfrog Rangers at a crucial point of the season with a point and if Rangers end up losing due to the Wanderers’ superior goal difference.

They will fancy themselves against a Sutherland side winless in eight matches and having the worst attack in the competition, only scoring 15 goals in 24 games.

They have also lost their head coach Damir Prodanovic, who became assistant of the Newcastle Jets, who had the side playing attractive football despite the lack of goals.

They managed to defeat the Wanderers with a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture where centre back Mitchell Stamatellis was impressive with his defence and skills in playing out from the back.

They will be facing a Wanderers side growing in confidence and also desperate to get themselves out of the relegation zone with just six games of the season left to go.

With a run of fixtures against sides near them on the table to end the season, the Wanderers will be hoping to go on a strong run of form that pulls them to safety.