Western Sydney Wanderers defeated Western United 1-0 on their travels to Hobart on Saturday afternoon, despite being reduced to 10 men after a straight red card to defender Aidan Simmons in the second half of the road victory.
Lachlan Brook gave Western Sydney a first-half lead before Simmons’ dismissal in the 66th minute; United created ample opportunities to take at least a point from the contest but a series of quality saves from Wanderers keeper Daniel Margush ensured the visitors kept a clean sheet and took all three points on their travels to the Apple Isle.
United striker Michael Ruhs wasted two glorious chances to put his side ahead in the first half, striking into the body of Wanderers keeper Daniel Margush from close range and directing a close-range shot over the crossbar after a low ball across the box by Noah Botic.
Ruhs would be made to rue his inaccuracy when the Wanderers took the lead in the 35th minute; Nicolas Milanovic created the chance with a cut-back cross, controlled by Marcus Antonsson into the path of Brook to finish.
The Wanderers were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Aidan Simmons came careering into the legs of Kane Vidmar in midfield; the challenge had no malicious intent, with the Wanderers right-back appearing to lose his footing and control of his body as he caught Vidmar’s ankles in an awkward challenge that resulted in his dismissal.
Margush, standing in for Wanderers No.1 Lawrence Thomas on Socceroos duty, starred in goal in Hobart, with a late save to deny Ben Garuccio just one of many important interventions from the Western Sydney keeper.
