On Sunday afternoon, the Western Sydney Wanderers were defeated 2-1 in their NPL 2 match against Hills United at Sydney United Sports Centre.
A second half strike from Samuel Silvera wasn’t enough for the Red & Black as the visitors prevailed thanks to goals from Patrick Gatt and Ben Welch.
Wanderers forward Marley Peterson was looking lively early on and evaded a challenge before sliding the ball through for Silvera, whose pass was overhit.
Fabian Monge did brilliantly to find Oliver Puflett who forced a save from Hills goalkeeper Luke Turnbull.
Henry Davies was looking solid at the back and he was in the right place at the right time again, blocking a shot from outside the box.
Monge then found space on the right wing and crossed for Puflett, unfortunately, the Hills defence managed to get into the way of the shot.
With the game evenly poised, Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Greenwood had to be alert, as he dived to his right to make a strong save from Hills forward Daniel Fogarty.
In first half stoppage time, Peterson put the ball in the back of the net, however, the goal was ruled out due to an offside call.
Early in the second half, Greenwood was called upon once again, making a fingertip save from Peter Cejka, before pushing a dangerous cross out to safety a couple of minutes later.
The Wanderers were on top at this stage and a free kick from Peterson flew over the crossbar.
Seconds later, Peterson intercepted the ball and a shot from the edge of the penalty area, with Turnbull making a good save.
Everything seemed to be falling Peterson’s way and he was unfortunate not to score after getting on the end of Silvera’s cross.
Then midway through the second half, Hills took the lead against the run of play after a headed goal from Gatt.
The Red & Black didn’t let their heads drop and equalised a couple minutes later. Silvera used his pace to beat a defender and calmly slotted the ball past Turnbull for his second goal in two games.
Monge then created a chance for Peterson with his shot going just wide of the goal.
With only ten minutes left, Hills went 2-1 in front, with Welch finding the net after a penalty box scramble.
The Wanderers were forced to throw everything at Hills as they went in search of a second equaliser, but Greenwood was still on his toes, making a brilliant save after Hills try to hit on the counter.
Despite the late pressure, the Red & Black were unable to level the score and the loss sees the team drop to 7th on the NPL 2 table.
The team will now look to next Saturday night’s match against Rydalmere Lions at Valentine Sports Park. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Samuel Silvera 69’)
Hills United 2 (Patrick Gatt 67’, Ben Welch 80’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Jack Greenwood, Adrian Valenti, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Henry Davies, Mathieu Cordier, Tacettin Kumsuz (Lochlan Constable 85’), Perry Fotakopoulos (c) (Mohamed Al Taay 66’), Fabian Monge, Oliver Puflett (Mohamed Adam 60’), Samuel Silvera, Marley Peterson
Unused substitutes: Daniel Axford, Joshua Gulevski
Other results:
U20: WSW 2-1 Hills
U18: WSW 1-2 Hills
U16: WSW 2-3 Hills
U15: WSW 2-0 Hills
U14: WSW 10-0 Hills
U13: WSW 7-1 Hills
