On Sunday afternoon, the Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 team will be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to Melita Stadium to face Parramatta FC.
The last time these two sides met, the Red & Black won 3-1 thanks to goals from Mohamed Adam, Kosta Grozos and John Roberts.
Despite being winless in their last four games, Parramatta FC have some dangerous players who the Wanderers will need to look out for.
Neram Yalda is their top scorer this season with ten goals, while former Wanderers Academy player Matthew Lecce has found the back of the net seven times.
For the Red & Black, Noah Pagden will be one to watch. The centre-back joined the Academy’s U15 in 2016 and moved rapidly through the ranks, playing part in the 2016 U18 Grand Final victory.
The following year, Pagden made his NPL 2 first grade debut at the age of 16 and he was recently named in the Australian U18 squad for this month’s SBS Cup.
John Roberts is another promising player who was also chosen for the SBS Cup.
Roberts signed for the Wanderers in January after spending time at the FFA Centre of Excellence and Melbourne City.
The pacey forward made an almost immediate impact, scoring in the Wanderers Foxtel Y-League Grand Final victory in February.
Able to play as a striker or on the wing, Roberts has carried this form into the NPL season, recording three goals and seven assists in 12 games.
NPL 2 NSW Round 23
Parramatta FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 5 August, 3:00pm (U20s kickoff at 1:00pm, U18s at 11:00am)
Melita Stadium, Chester Hill
