Our NPL NSW side have recorded an important 2-0 win over Hills United at Wanderers Football Park.
Having played much of the game with 10 men, the Wanderers showed the depths of their resolve and character to grind out a win that consolidated their spot in the top three.
In wet conditions, both sides struggled to get into an attacking groove, with few chances of note in the opening 25 minutes, but the Wanderers took their first big chance with both hands.
After neat build up play down the right, Marcus Younis’ low cross found an onrushing Aydan Hammond, and the winger swept the ball home with a good first time finish after Awan Lual craftily let the ball run past him.
Sadly for Hammond his afternoon would be over a few minutes later after he received his marching orders for a foul in the attacking half.
It forced the Wanderers to adopt a more defensive mentality and to remain disciplined as the lowly Hills United sensed an opportunity to cause an upset.
But the Wanderers created the best chances of the game, as Lual and Marcus Fernandez forced Ryan Wood to make two strong saves.
They would have more luck in the 57th minute as substitute Phil Gigliotti broke down the right and sent in a brilliant first time cross into the path of Younis, who was able to turn and score into the bottom corner.
Captain Zac Sapsford almost made it three with an amazing solo run where he left defenders in his wake, but he hit his shot straight at Wood; Sapsford put in a strong performance, as did Dylan Scicluna in midfield.
The Wanderers showed a message to the rest of the league as they managed to hold Hills to few chances despite the numerical disadvantage, and kept their second clean sheet in a row to highlight their defensive strength.
The Wanderers are currently on 34 points, but face a tough match next week against Rockdale away from home.
