The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 first team got back to winning ways on Saturday night courtesy to a 3-1 victory over Blacktown Spartans at Sydney United Sports Centre.
After Thomas Aquilina’s goal was cancelled out by Spartans winger Christian Torrelli, Marley Peterson scored a brilliant second half double to secure all three points for the Red & Black.
The Wanderers almost had the lead inside the opening five minutes when Jarrod Carluccio got on the end of a Lochlan Constanble free kick but the ball hit the crossbar and went over.
There were a couple of chances for Mohamed Adam as well, while at the other end Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Greenwood showed great reflexes to prevent a mishit clearance going into the net.
Just before the half hour mark, the Wanderers were in front after Aquilina stepped forward from defence, firing a 25 yard strike that was too powerful for Spartans goalkeeper Michael Figueira.
A few minutes later it was another defender, Adrian Valenti, who broke into the penalty area, but this time Figueira rushed out quickly to save.
Peterson had the Red & Black’s next chance, striding through the middle before unleashing a shot which was blocked by the defence.
With halftime approaching, there was a setback for the Wanderers when a goal from Spartans winger Christian Torrelli made it 1-1.
However, the Red & Black weren’t deterred by the equaliser, and were back in front a minute after the restart. Carluccio laid the ball off nicely for Peterson, and his curling strike from 25 yards went in via the post.
Spartans almost found a second equaliser from a set piece soon afterwards, but two brilliant saves from Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Greenwood, plus a goalline clearance from Aquilina, kept the Wanderers in front.
The Red & Black’s desperate defending would prove crucial as the squad doubled their lead a few minutes later.
Again it was Peterson with the goal, finding the bottom corner from outside the area after an excellent pass from Fabian Monge.
The Wanderers were flying at this stage and another goal was disallowed, before Adam was denied twice in the space of a minute by two excellent saves from Figueira.
Wanderers substitute Samuel Silvera was the next player to get in on the action, beating a defender before sending a shot flying just over the crossbar.
Adam was unlucky not to end up on the scoresheet after a lively performance and with ten minutes left his shot was headed for the top corner, only for Figueira to deny him once again.
In the end, the Wanderers saw out the game comfortably and Carluccio could have added a fourth late on, but Figueira was able to tip his effort over the crossbar.
Earlier in the day, the U18s won 4-0 whilst the U20s were unlucky to lose 1-0.
The win in the first grade ensures that the Wanderers move back into the top six.
Next Saturday night the Wanderers will take on Macarthur Rams at Lynwood Park. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 3 (Thomas Aquilina 28’, Marley Peterson 46’ 52’)
Blacktown Spartans 1 (Christian Torrelli 45’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Jack Greenwood, Thomas Aquilina, Mohamed Al Taay (c), Noah Pagden, Adrian Valenti, Lochlan Constable, Fabian Monge (Rory Jordan 73’), Marley Peterson, John Roberts (Samuel Silvera 64’), Jarrod Carluccio (Jacob Vasiliou 88’), Mohamed Adam
Unused substitutes: Elliot Carwardine, Mark Natta
Other results:
U20: WSW 0-1 Spartans
U18: WSW 4-0 Spartans
U16: WSW 0-1 St George City FA
U15: WSW 7-0 St George City FA
U14: WSW 6-1 St George City FA
U13: WSW 3-1 St George City FA
