The Wanderers have shown their fighting spirit to produce a brilliant come from behind 3-2 victory over Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
Things were looking ominous for the Red and Black when two quick first half goals put Adelaide 2-0 in front, but goals either side of half-time levelled the scores, before Bozhidar Kraev scored the winner with less than 10 minutes remaining.
The result is the Wanderers’ third win in their last four games and moves them into the top six, continuing their upturn in form since the last international break.
With a mountain of games ahead, coach Alen Stajcic opted to change from the winning formula of last weekend, bringing in Marcus Antonsson – who has acted as a super sub this season -and Oscar Priestman for Kraev and Zac Sapsford.
The Wanderers started well, controlling the ball and territory, and having a good shot by Antonsson saved by James Delianov.
The hosts grew into the game, and took the lead through Ethan Alagich in the 31st minute; they seized the momentum and added another soon after through Archie Goodwin.
It was a tough pill to swallow for Western Sydney, who only took their eye off the ball for a few moments and were punished, but they recovered and scored what would prove to be a crucial goal just before the break.
Nicolas Milanovic’s looping cross found Antonsson at the back stick, and the Swede headed home for his fourth goal of the season to breathe life into the contest.
It gave the Wanderers belief, and just after the break they had their equaliser through the man playing in his hometown.
Jack Clisby’s corner found Borrello free in space at the back post, and after taking a touch he slammed the ball past Delianov to silence the home fans.
The Wanderers had confidence now and began to assert themselves on the contest, with Milanovic’s effort deflected onto the post by Delianov, and the rampaging Gab Cleur cutting inside and dragging a shot wide.
Antonsson almost had a second but hit his shot wide of the mark, before Borrello shanked a volley effort after some good buildup play.
In the final 10 minutes, the Wanderers pushed for the winner, and after Milanovic’s ambitious effort was easily saved, they had a winner that was started by a brilliant pass from a youngster in form.
Fresh off a man of the match performance against Wellington, Dylan Scicluna was forced to fill in at right back after Cleur went off injured, and he set up Kraev with a brilliant crossfield pass that opened up the defence.
Kraev drove forward at the retreating defence, and he accepted the invitation with both hands, firing a low effort at goal that squirmed under Delianov and into the bottom corner.
It was a deserved lead for the Wanderers, who created far more chances than their opponents, and they now dug in to hold on to their precious lead.
It saw players put their bodies on the line, as Scicluna injured his knee in a tackle attempt but played on for the rest of the game – the Wanderers had no substitutions left – whilst Dean Pelekanos took a head knock after a brave aerial clearance in just his second senior match out of position.
Adelaide threw numbers forward but created very little as the Wanderers’ brave defending meant the home side didn’t get any meaningful chances away, and Western Sydney held on for a famous victory in the city of churches.
It was a great way to end 2024, and they begin 2025 with their traditional New Years Day game at home against local foes Macarthur.
