The Western Sydney Wanderers have fallen to a 2-0 defeat away from home against Sutherland Sharks in their latest NPL NSW clash.
Two goals either side of half time condemned the Wanderers to the loss in a disappointing night after solid performances in previous weeks.
The boys in Red and Black had the first chance of the match Dylan Pierias on debut shot on the turn, but it was straight at goalkeeper Marko Bulic.
Zac Sapsford was the next to have an effort on goal as he dribbled away from defenders and got a shot away from the edge of the area, but Bulic was also able to deal with that effort.
The Wanderers had more possession in the first half, but struggled to break down one of the league’s top defences, and they were hit against the run of play just before half time when
Nathan Grimaldi headed home from a corner to give the home side the lead.
In an attempt to change the momentum of the game, coach Andrew Christiansen introduced Marcus Younis from the bench after the break, and George Antonis came close to scoring minutes after the restart with a good shot from distance, but Bulic was equal to it.
The Sharks punished the Wanderers’ missed opportunities minutes later when Jonty Busch was able to make his way into the box and scored from a tight angle to double his team’s lead.
The Wanderers continued to push for a route back into the game, and almost had one when substitute Adam Bugarija had a free header after a frantic goalmouth scramble, but his chance was agonisingly cleared off the line, summing up the Wanderers’ night in front of goal.
Younis also had a chance late on when he flicked on an Antonis free-kick, but the header glanced off the outside of the post.
The side needs to bounce back quickly, as they face a must win clash against Bulls FC Academy on Saturday.
