The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 first grade team were defeated 2-1 by Mt Druitt Town Rangers in their final match of the season at Popondetta Park.
Despite Solomon Monahan-Vaiika’s second-half goal, the Wanderers NPL 2 first grade season ended with a loss after David O’Leary and Luke Grima found the net for Mt Druitt.
The Red & Black made an excellent and Samuel Silvera almost opened the scoring, but his 25-yard drive was saved by Mt Druitt goalkeeper Carlos Saliadarre.
Silvera had another opportunity soon afterwards, running at the defence before flashing a shot over the crossbar.
However, Mt Druitt would take the lead when O’Leary scored from outside the penalty area.
The home side went close to making it 2-0 a minute later, but Wanderers goalkeeper Daniel Axford made an excellent save, diving to his right to deny Luke Clifford.
With about 20 minutes played, the Wanderers had a great chance to draw level after Marley Peterson pounced on a mistake and lobbed the keeper, but the ball landed inches wide of the target.
Mohamed Adam was then through on goal after intercepting a loose pass, but Saliadarre was able to block the shot.
With the first half drawing to a close, Mt Druitt doubled their lead with a goal against the run of play, as Grima found the net from close range.
However, the Red & Black hauled themselves back into the game just after the restart, with Monahan-Vaiika rising highest at a corner to halve the deficit.
Peterson then came close to levelling the scores at another corner when his header hit the side netting.
Fabian Monge and Silvera followed with efforts from distance and while there were a couple of close calls at the other end, Mt Druitt had a goal ruled out for offside, before Valenti blocked a header on the goal line.
Peterson had one last chance to equalise in stoppage time, shooting wide after a fantastic pass from substitute Joshua Bartolotto.
The loss means the Wanderers finish the season in 11th place. There was better news earlier in the day, as the U20s came from behind to win 2-1.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2 (David O’Leary 8’, Luke Grima 37’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika 47’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Daniel Axford, Mohamed Al Taay (Joshua Bartolotto 63’), Henry Davies, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Adrian Valenti, Fabian Monge (Bailey Rule 65’), Tacettin Kumsuz, Mohamed Adam (Jarrod Carluccio 71’), Oliver Puflett, Samuel Silvera, Marley Peterson
Unused substitutes: Elliot Carwardine, Daniel Wilmering
Other results:
U20: Mt Druitt 1-2 WSW
U16: WSW 4-0 North Shore
U15: WSW 0-2 North Shore
U14: WSW 4-1 North Shore
U13: WSW 2-2 North Shore
