The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side return to Wanderers Football Park as they take on the Wollongong Wolves, as both sides aim to halt a bad run of recent form.
The Wanderers take on the Wolves on Saturday afternoon in what looks to be a chance for both sides to resurrect some late season form following an identical run of form in the last five games.
Both sides come into this game with three losses, one win and one draw from the last five games. Subsequently, their wins have come against the bottom two sides.
The Wolves have struggled to capitalise on a Round 14 win over then league leaders Marconi Stallions, as the Wollongong side missed their opportunity to resurrect the early season form that saw them take the competition by storm.
They come off a 3-1 loss to Rockdale Ilinden, and despite their best second half efforts, a Nicholas Olsen penalty was not enough to claw back a two goal half time lead against the league leaders.
The Wanderers on the other hand, despite a courageous effort, fell to the NWS Spirit in a 1-0 defeat. The Academy side certainly made the third placed side work hard for their victory, as missed chances could have seen the result play out differently.
The sides last faced off in Round 6, which resulted in a 4-0 victory at Macedonia Park, where the Wolves raced out to a three goal half time lead in a clinical counter attacking performance. Raphael Le’ai starred on the day with a first half double that saw the Wolves continue their undefeated start to the season.
The Key Decider: Winner’s Mentality
Nine points separate the two sides on the table, but their recent form shows that both sides come into this game on an even playing field.
The Wolves will feel that due to their experience and table position, they will be the favourites. The Wanderers on the other hand despite their results, have shown that they are willing to stand up to more seasoned sides, and if the result goes against them, they ensure that they go down swinging.
Winner’s Mentality is defined as such “a positive and proactive approach to life that focuses on achieving goals and overcoming challenges”, if either side is able to come into this game with
their form behind them and uses their recent run of results as lessons learnt rather than a burning desperation to win, they will likely come out on top.
Expect an enthralling clash where both sides will look to claim all three points to resurrect some late season form.
NPL NSW Round 21
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Wollongong Wolves FC
Saturday 28th of June, 3:00pm
Wanderers Football Park
