The Western Sydney Wanderers fought back after being two goals down in an epic thriller to defeat Mt Druitt Town Rangers 4-3 at Popondetta Park on Saturday night.
A double from Emmanuel Gonzalez, as well as goals from Mathieu Cordier and Mohamed Najjar, secured the three points for the Red & Black after they had been trailing 3-1 at half time.
Mt Druitt began the game scoring twice in quick succession with Kuag Reec and Alex Vlismas giving the Rangers a two goal lead.
The Red & Black fought to regain control of the contest and pulled a goal back thanks to a neat finish by Cordier right before half time.
However, the Red & Black conceded a penalty right before the interval with Brian Giffin-Colls converting from the spot.
The Wanderers came out firing in the second half with Gonzalez, Tariq Maia and Charles Abou Serhal all having efforts on goal.
Gonzalez was unfortunate not to score from Cordier’s cross but made amends soon after, cutting the Wanderers deficit to one goal after his curling shot from the edge of the box.
Two minutes later it was 3-3. Tate Russell made a break down the right flank and Gonzalez was on hand to side foot Russell’s cross into the net.
The game then stretched with both sides trying to to break the dead lock.
The Red & Black stood tall with Lachlan Campbell a standout in defence after making a number of vital tackles and clearances.
With only six minutes left in the match Tariq Maia was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Despite being down to 10 men, Cordier beat three defenders on the left flank to set up Najjar who scored the winner from close range.
The final seconds saw Mt Druitt throw everything at the Wanderers in an attempt to grab the equaliser.
A brilliant save from Daniel Axford and a block on the goal line denied them in the last chance of the match.
The victory against Mt Druitt Town Rangers sees the Wanderers climb back to secondon the NPL 2 ladder ahead of Northern Tigers and St George FC on goal difference.
Wins in the U18s and U12s also sees the Red & Black only ten points behind Marconi Stallions.
Next weekend, the Wanderers will face Bankstown City at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday night.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 3 (Kuag Reec 26’ Alex Vlismas 31’ Brian Griffin-Colls 45+1’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 4 (Mathieu Cordier 41’ Emmanuel Gonzalez 61’ 63’ Mohamed Najjar 90+1’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Daniel Axford, Tate Russell, Lachlan Campbell, Noah Pagden, Mathieu Cordier, Joshua Bartolotto (Lochlan Constable 70’), Charles Abou Serhal, Tariq Maia, Oliver Puflett, Kyle Cimenti (Samuel Silvera 66’), Emmanuel Gonzalez (Mohamed Najjar 78’)
Unused subs: Mackenzie Syron, Blake Currey
Other results:
U20s: Mt Druitt 0-6 WSW
U18s: Mt Druitt 0-3 WSW
U16s: Parramatta FC 0-1 WSW
U15s: Parramatta FC 0-2 WSW
U14s: Parramatta FC 1-3 WSW
U13s: Parramatta FC 0-2 WSW
