The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 team have gone down 3-2 to Hills United at Lily Homes Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite goals from Lachlan Scott and Abraham Majok, Hills prevailed in the end after goals from Peter Cejka, Daniel Fogarty and Greg Giovenali.
The game opened at a frantic pace with both Mohamed Al Taay and Nicholas Suman called upon to stop Hills attacks.
At the other end of the field, Daniel Wilmering and Majok were both heavily involved, whipping in a number of dangerous crosses from the left wing.
There were also chances for Tass Mourdoukoutas and Kosta Grozos, while Majok was unlucky to not have scored after John Roberts and Scott combined to set him up.
Halfway through the first half, the Wanderers took the lead after a flowing team move. Grozos skipped a challenge in the midfield and found Roberts whose cross was headed home by Scott.
Grozos and Roberts went on to test the Hills defence with a number of skilful runs down the right wing, while Al Taay made another crucial interception just before half-time.
Suman made a great save in the opening minutes of the second half to deny Hills’ Fogarty.
However, a minute later Hills equalised, as Peter Cejka found the back of the net with a header.
Hills United then extended their lead against the run of play with Fogarty finding the back of the net to give the home side a 2-1 lead.
The Red & Black tried to respond straight away as Grozos had an effort from distance.
Scott was the next to go close with his dipping volley going inches over the crossbar.
A couple minutes later the Wanderers made it 2-2-. Majok sprinted past three defenders with his shot taking a slight deflection before finding the top corner.
Wilmering was still providing a threat on the left flank as he picked out Scott with a nice cross, only for the header to fly over the crossbar.
The turning point came with six minutes left in regular time as the Wanderers conceded a penalty with Jordan Hall receiving a red card for his challenge on Fogarty.
Despite Suman diving the right way, Hills captain Greg Giovenali was able to score from the spot to give his team a 3-2 lead.
The Red & Black had one final chance to equalise in stoppage time when Roberts was inches away from getting on the end of Majok’s cross.
The loss capped off a difficult day for the Academy as the U20s were also defeated, however, the U18s managed to pick up a victory.
The Wanderers will next face Rydalmere Lions at Sydney United Sports Centre next Saturday. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Hills Brumbies 3 (Peter Cejka 50’, Daniel Fogarty 58’, Greg Giovenali 85’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 2(Lachlan Scott 21’, Abraham Majok 68’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Nicholas Suman, Mohamed Al Taay (Tate Russell 78’), Jordan Hall, Tass Mourdoukoutas, Daniel Wilmering, Abdelrahman Kuku, Kosta Grozos (c), Mark Tokich (Fabian Monge 64’), John Roberts (Mohamed Adam 64’), Abraham Majok, Lachlan Scott
Unused substitutes: Elliot Carwardine, Oliver Puflett
Other results:
U20s: Hills 1-0 Wanderers
U18s: Hills 1-3 Wanderers
U16s: Rockdale 3-1 Wanderers
U15s: Rockdale 1-3 Wanderers
U14s: Rockdale 2-3 Wanderers
U13s: Rockdale 0-5 Wanderers
