After Thursday’s magnificent comeback against the Central Coast Mariners, the Western Sydney Wanderers return to Valentine Sports Park on Sunday afternoon to take on Mounties.
Mounties are currently led by player/coach Neftali Gonzalez who has taken the reigns following the recent departure of Lee Sterrey.
Despite occupying the 8th position on the table, Mounties are expected to be a tough opponent and are only four points behind the Wanderers on the table. A win for Mounties could see them move into the top six.
Striker Tai Smith has been in red hot form for Mounties and has scored 10 goals in 11 games since joining in the mid-season transfer window from NPL 3 outfit Fraser Park.
Smith has been ably supported by attackers Michael Cklamovski, Noah Chianese and Reid Taylor, who between them have found the net 16 times this season.
The Mount Prichard based outfit have had five wins in their last seven games and will be heading into the match confident after their 5-1 victory over Blacktown Spartans on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Red & Black are also in good form, earning three wins and a draw in their last four games. A win on Sunday will secure a place in the finals for the Wanderers.
After suffering an injury against St George FC in April, Kosta Grozos made a successful return to the NPL 2 squad on Thursday.
Kosta came on as a second half substitute and scored two goals in the club’s 3-2 victory over Central Coast Mariners.
Despite having an injury-hit campaign, Grozos has managed to score five goals in eight appearances this season.
Noah Pagden was another substitute who made an impact for the Red & Black in Thursday’s clash.
Still only 17, Pagden was excellent in the centre of defence and made some well-timed challenges as the Wanderers defended their lead in the closing stages.
The Wanderers and Mounties drew 1-1 in their previous meeting. Kyle Cimenti opened the scoring for the Wanderers whilst Chianese equalized in the second half for Mounties.
NPL 2 Round 25
Mounties vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 20 August, 1:00pm (U20s at 11:00am, U18s at 9:00am)
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
