It’s the Grand Final weekend in the FNSW League One competition, and our Under 20s side are in action at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday against the Central Coast Mariners.
The side has done it the hard way in the finals, playing in every week including two elimination finals, but they now stand just 90 minutes from glory if they can overcome the minor premiers.
After scoring a staggering 102 goals on the way to a third placed finish in the regular season, they overcame an extra-time loss to Northern Tigers in the preliminary semi-final by defeating
NWS Spirit 3-2 and the Tigers 5-1 to qualify for the big dance.
15 of the players gained key experience for the first grade side throughout the season, with the likes of Alex Denmead, Gianni and Miguel Di Pizio and Jack Gibson all playing key roles in the eventual promotion success.
Thomas Lopez, who made three appearances for the first grade side, also topped the scoring charts in the Under 20s competition, netting 18 times.
The Wanderers side led by Geoff Abrahams and assisted by Peter Kofinas know that claiming victory will be no easy task against a fellow Academy side; the Mariners only conceded 18 goals and finished five points clear at the top of the table, only losing twice.
They also won both games between the clubs during the season, with a 2-1 win at home and a 4-2 victory in the return fixture.
The Mariners, after having a week off, qualified for the Grand Final by defeating Northern Tigers 3-0, with Ezra Palombini, Aidan Milicevic and Bailey Brandtman scoring first-half goals to secure the win.
Palombini also notably scored against the Wanderers first-grade side in the thrilling 4-3 match in the regular season, meaning the Wanderers defence will be wary of the threat he poses.
With both sides having plenty of momentum going into this match, it should be a brilliant match as the league’s best attack attempts to break down the toughest defence, with the ultimate prize awaiting the victors.
Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 3 September 2022, 12:00pm
Sydney United Sports Centre
