The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side has their first home match of the season on Friday night and it’s set to be a tough challenge against defending champions Blacktown City.
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The boys in Red & Black go into the fixture full of confidence though after their opening round victory against the Central Coast Mariners away from home.
Three goals in a five minute blitz secured a 3-1 victory, with new signings Ariath Piol and Teng Kuol getting on the scoresheet, and Marcus Younis scoring the pick of the bunch with a wonderful solo effort.
It was a strong performance from the Wanderers against a side that they failed to beat in last season’s FNSW League One competition, and Andrew Christiansen will be hoping to see more of the same at Wanderers Football Park.
Blacktown City split the points in their opening match of the season, with their Grand Final rematch against Manly United finishing 1-1 at Landen Stadium.
Jak O’Brien’s 11th minute opener was cancelled out by a second half Thomas Fay strike.
Blacktown have kept the core of their championship team intact and still have highly rated Mark Crittenden as head coach. They are ably led at the back by Grant Lynch, and also have former Wanderers senior players in goalkeeper Tristian Prendergast and forward Mario Shabow.
The Wanderers will also be hoping that key midfielder George Antonis will be fit to play, he limped off injured in the second half against the Mariners.
It will no doubt be a huge test for the young Wanderers, and they will be keen to gauge their performance against a top NPL side, which is a step up from much of the opposition they faced last season.
But with many players who have had experience with the senior side recently, they are unlikely to be overawed by the challenge.
Match Details
Western Sydney Wanderers v Blacktown City FC
Friday 10 February, 7:30pm
Wanderers Football Park
