Our NPL NSW side will end their 2024 season with a trip to local rivals Marconi Stallions on Sunday afternoon.
Whilst the second half of the season has fallen below the standards set by the club, the Young Wanderers side who have fought bravely in tough circumstances will look to end the year on a positive note at Marconi Stadium.
Player availability issues, injuries and suspensions have curtailed what was a positive campaign, and red cards impacted the Wanderers last weekend against Sydney Olympic.
They fell behind early and had to play the majority of the match with 10 men after Luke Nieuwenhof was sent off after getting two yellow cards in quick succession.
The boys fought hard in the second half, upping the intensity and briefly pulling level thanks to Ryley Hollingdale, but Olympic’s numerical advantage paid dividends and they secured a 4-1 win.
They face a difficult test this weekend against a Marconi side recovering from a defeat last week that cost them their championship hopes.
A 2-1 loss to Blacktown City means they are now four points behind leading side Rockdale, though they have secured a second placed finish for the regular season and will look to be a threat in the finals.
They previously went on a seven-game winning streak, including wins over fellow finals candidates Sydney United and St George City.
They also recorded a scarcely believable 9-0 win over Rockdale in July, where they led 6-0 at half-time.
They have a good record over the Wanderers since the Red and Black returned to the NPL, winning twice at Wanderers Football Park, whilst last season’s match hosted by Marconi ended in an exciting 3-3 draw.
With the Wanderers’ status in the league secure for next season, they will look to put on an entertaining performance, with the players looking to prove to the coaching staff they deserve a spot on the team next year.
NPL NSW Round 30
Marconi Stallions FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Sunday 25th August, 3pm
Marconi Stadium
