Read all about how the Wanderers Academy NPL youth teams went against Sutherland Sharks and Mounties Wanderers. Proudly brought to you by Multiquip.
U13s 2-1 win
Head coach: Rob Bradshaw
The U13s started the match well with some good early passing, creating a handful of chances to looking threatening. From a corner, the side came close but found the net from a consecutive corner with Zac Mascolo putting it away for an early 1-0 lead. After the goal, the U13s played patchy football lacking patience allowing the Sharks back into the contest, scoring the equaliser right before half-time. The second half saw a more controlled performance with the side retaking the lead again with great delivery from Zane Najjarine and a wonderful headed goal by Zac Mascolo for his brace. The U13s managed to fight off a late surge from Sharks and after striking the crossbar on two occasions, they were fortunate to hold on to the result.
U14s 3-0 win
Head coach: Peter Kofinas
The U14s side were expecting a difficult match against Sutherland and the weekend was no different. It was a fairly even first half as possession was shared but a well-worked corner but the Red & Black up 1-0 at half-time. A change in shape in the second half proved to be the difference as the squad came out determined to extend their lead with two nicely worked goals rewarding the squad’s hard work to win 3-0.
U15s 2-0 loss
Head coach: Yianni Tsattalios
The U15s Wanderers were defeated by a spirited Sutherland Sharks team 2-0 at the weekend. The young Wanderers controlled most of the match and conceded two goals against the run of play. The Red & Black created many goal-scoring opportunities through some excellent build-up play and found themselves in excellent positions in front of goal, however, were unable to convert any of their chances into goals. It was a case of missed opportunities this week for the U15s having played very well throughout the match but lacked their usual composure in front of goal.
U16s 1-1 draw
Head coach: Geoff Abrahams
It was a fantastic performance by the young Wanderers who dictated much of the game against a strong Sutherland outfit. The U16s pressing and defensive work was very good, however, they fell behind before half-time to a sloppy goal from a corenr. The second half saw a tough battle but the Wanderers showed great composure and perseverance to the end and were rewarded with Miguel Di Pizio scoring a minute from the end after a two-minute spell of possession.
U18s 2-1 win
Head coach: Dean Mayer
The U18s completely dominated possession of the ball and reduced the opposition to few and low quality opportunities on goal. The team weren’t happy with the amount of chances created in the first half and looked to take more risks to create more chances. One of the few chances created was score by Jesper Webber when Jesse Photi set him up inside the box.
The second half started similar to the first, controlling the game but this time they were playing in better areas and creating more chances. A late mistake at the back led to the opposition equalising with only 2 minutes remaining. On the kick-off, the team quickly attacked and managed to find Dean Bosnjak out wide with enough time to deliver a great ball into the box for Photi the score the winner with the last play of the game.
U20s 4-1 win
Head coach: Shaf Sagol
It was another great performance by the U20s who continued their fine form with a dominant 4-1 win against a physical Mounties side. Goals from Jakov Malbasa, George Antonis, Joel Bertolissio, and Gianni Dipizo demonstrated how much the young side has developed and matured tactically.
