The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 first grade team have moved to the top of the NPL 2 table on Sunday afternoon courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Rydalmere Lions at Sydney United Sports Centre.
After a goalless first half, strikes from Mohamed Adam and John Roberts secured the sides fourth consecutive win.
The Wanderers were on the attack from the opening whistle and almost had the lead in the first minute, but Adam was somehow denied from point-blank range by Rydalmere goalkeeper Harrick Sinpraseuth.
With just over 15 minutes played, Fabian Monge moved into space and tried a shot from distance, with Sinpraseuth able to push his effort wide.
The Red & Black were in total control at this stage and there were further long-range efforts from Marley Peterson and Tate Russell, before Adam tested the keeper with a free kick on the stroke of half-time.
The boys continued to put the pressure on after the break and Roberts was inches away from opening the scoring when he combined with Adam, only to see his shot hit the post.
A couple of minutes later Adam had another chance after being set up by Monge, but once again Sinpraseuth was in the way.
However, it wouldn’t be long before the Wanderers took the lead. Daniel Wilmering received the ball in space after a well-worked short corner routine, and his cross was perfect, allowing Adam to head home for his seventh goal of the season.
Not satisfied with the margin, the Wanderers pushed to extend their lead, scoring a second goal just after the hour mark.
Adam picked out Wilmering with a precise cross and although the shot was saved, Roberts was in the right place at the right time to score from the rebound.
The Red & Black didn’t let up, with Andrea Agamemnonos showing good skill to spin away from an opponent on the edge of the area before being denied by Sinpraseuth.
Rydalmere attempted to get back into the contest, but the Wanderers defence was solid and Mohamed Al Taay made a number of crucial blocks.
As time ran out, Adam almost scored what would have been a spectacular third goal, after flicking the ball over a defender and sending a powerful volley narrowly wide of the target.
The victory completed a clean sweep for the Wanderers Academy over the weekend, after earlier victories in every grade down to Under 13s.
The Red & Black will be at home again this Sunday when they take on Canterbury Bankstown at Sydney United Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Mohamed Adam 54’, John Roberts 62’)
Rydalmere Lions 0
Western Sydney Wanderers: Jack Greenwood, Tate Russell (c), Mohamed Al Taay, Noah Pagden, Mathieu Cordier, Andrea Agamemnonos, Fabian Monge, Marley Peterson (Thomas Aquilina 90’), John Roberts (Lochlan Constable 80’), Daniel Wilmering (Ali Auglah 73’), Mohamed Adam
Unused substitutes: Elliot Carwardine, Jarrod Carluccio
Other results:
U20: WSW 1-0 Rydalmere
U18: WSW 4-0 Rydalmere
U16: APIA 1-2 WSW
U15: APIA 0-3 WSW
U14: APIA 1-5 WSW
U13: APIA 2-3 WSW
