The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 1 side walked away with a valuable point against Rockdale Ilinden on Saturday following a valiant effort in the scoreless draw at Wanderers Football Park.
The Wanderers welcomed back goalkeeper Tristan Vidakovic, striker Max Hatley, and midfielder Oscar Morrison, with the changes having an immediate impact. An early save from Vidakovic sparked a swift counter-attack, allowing Awan Lual to break into open space. However, Lual was denied the opener by a superb last-ditch tackle from a diving Blake Ruciutto.
Oscar Morrison was subbed off inside twenty minutes with a knee injury, Nicholas Badolato replaced him at the base of midfield as the Red and Black remained in search of the lead.
Lual would once again insert himself in the action, finding Hately with a wonderful through ball on goal, who was met again by a sliding Riccuito.
Rockdale would then enjoy the best part of ten minutes camped inside the Wanderers box, and to their dismay, it was met by a collective Wanderers defensive period.
Leon Alizart would come the closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, with his shot from distance travelling just wide of the goal on more than one occasion.
The Wanderers would finish the half with momentum as Alaat Abdul-Rahman’s dribble would see him come within inches of a memorable sequence had the shot found the back of the net.
The second half told a different story, with Rockdale taking control of the match. Alek Urosevski broke through for a one-on-one opportunity, but was miraculously denied by Lachlan Tilt, who bravely put his body on the line to stop the prolific striker just moments before he could get his shot away.
Tilt made another last ditch save with a fantastic clearance off the line in the dying moments of the game, denying what looked like a certain goal for the visitors.
The match ended in a scoreless draw, marking a strong performance from the Red and Black against one of the competition’s heavyweights. Despite torrential conditions, the Wanderers secured a valuable point as they turn their attention to this weekend’s clash with St George FA.
