The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 first team were defeated 2-0 by Canterbury Bankstown FC at Valentine Sports Park last night.
A first-half double from Carbel Haddad was enough to seal the win for Canterbury, while the Red & Black drop to 11th on the ladder.
The Wanderers had a bright start to the match and Abraham Majok looked to continue his good form from Sunday’s game against Parramatta FC, latching onto Joshua Gulevski’s through pass before having his shot blocked by the defence.
A couple minutes later, Majok raced past three defenders and denied by a good save from Canterbury goalkeeper Chad Taylor.
With just over 20 minutes played, Canterbury took the lead against the run of play after Haddad found the net.
The Red & Black tried to hit back and Gulevski was looking lively in his first start for the NPL 2 first grade side, managing a couple efforts on goal, while a long-range shot from Perry Fotakopoulos was saved by Taylor.
The Wanderers were then unfortunate to concede a second after Mohamed Al Taay’s goalline clearance went straight to Haddad, who finished from close range.
Marley Peterson came on for the Red & Black at halftime and combined well with Samuel Silvera to set up Gulevski, who forced a decent save from Taylor.
Despite dominating possession in the second half and some good attacking raids from Adrian Valenti and Al Taay, the Wanderers were unable to find a way past the packed Canterbury defence.
In the dying minutes, the Red & Black had one last chance to pull a goal back when Majok floated a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Henry Davis was unable to connect.
Next up the Wanderers will face Macarthur Rams this Saturday night at Sydney United Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 0
Canterbury Bankstown FC 2 (Charbel Haddad 21’ 35’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Daniel Axford, Mohamed Al Taay, Thomas Aquilina, Henry Davies, Adrian Valenti, Joshua Bartolotto, Perry Fotakopoulos (Lochlan Constable 78’), Samuel Silvera, Oliver Puflett (Marley Peterson 46’) Abraham Majok, Joshua Gulevski (Mohamed Adam 63’)
Unused substitutes: Jack Greenwood, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika
