The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side fell 3-2 to Manly United in a thrilling end-to-end contest, with Jesse Piriz’s 94th-minute strike sealing the win for the visitors.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side went down 3-2 in a thrilling five-goal contest at Cromer Park on Wednesday night. Both teams broke free from recent scoring struggles, putting on an entertaining display of attacking football.
The Wanderers started on the front foot, and their goal would be described as “Rory Delap-esque”. Jesse Cameron’s second minute throw-in saw the ball travel from the sideline to the penalty spot to find Antony Barbic, who headed it into the back of the net.
The Wanderers would look to execute the same plan in the first half, but Awan Lual’s header was met by the Manly Goalkeeper in an attempt to double their lead just before half time.
The first half concluded what was a tight affair, where neither team were able to trouble either goal keeper too much. A total of five shots were taken in the opening half.
Shortly after the break, Lucas Meek would pop up at the back post to tap in Manly’s equaliser as the home side dominated the early stages of the second stanza.
Following a series of misfired strikes from both sides, it would be Farah Koko who would edge Manly United in front with a long distance strike into the top right corner.
The deficit would spark motivation into the Red and Black side, as shortly thereafter, they would equalise through Awan Lual, who would latch on to a fantastic volley from Leon Alizart.
The game hung in the balance for the best part of the next ten minutes, until a well timed cross found Jesse Piriz at the back post in added time, as the substitute gave Manly the lead with merely minutes to go.
This concluded what was an exciting game between two sides desperate to find form, five goals in what was an end to end game that had everything. The Wanderers will be proud of the performance but will also be disappointed that they weren’t able to polish off what was a vigilant first half performance.
They return to Wanderers Football Park on Saturday Night to take on Rockdale Ilinden in what shapes to be a must win for both sides.
