The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL 2 team were defeated by Rydalmere Lions at Valentines Sports Park on Saturday night.
Despite an opening goal for Perry Fotakopoulos and a strike from Mohamed Adam, Rydalmere prevailed after a double from Victor Anyimba, along with goals from Michael Konestabo and Yasser Al Taay.
Rydalmere took the lead with seven minutes played. Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Greenwood did well to tip a header onto the crossbar but was unlucky to see the rebound fall to Anyimba who finished from close range.
The Lions kept the pressure on and Joshua Bartolotto was needed to deflect another goalbound header wide of the target.
The Red & Black managed to get back in the game and equalised on the half-hour. After efforts from Samuel Silvera and Marley Peterson were blocked, Fotakopoulos picked up possession and hit a brilliant swerving shot into the top corner from 25-yards-out.
Silvera was looking lively and had another shot saved by the goalkeeper, with Puflett and Monge, combining to set up Peterson who was denied by a good save from the goalkeeper.
Wanderers substitute Adam had a couple of chances after coming on, drilling the ball inches wide of the goal.
Unfortunately, Rydalmere were able to withstand the pressure and managed to go back in front in the 85th minute with Anyimba getting his second of the game.
The Red & Black threw everything at Rydalmere and Fotakopoulos tried another shot from distance, but Rydalmere hit on the counter in stoppage time with Konestabo extending the Lions’ lead to 3-1.
There was a brief glimmer of hope for the Wanderers when Adam scored in the 96th minute after good work from substitute Rory Jordan and Fabian Monge, but Rydalmere sealed the victory seconds later when Al Taay found the back of the net.
The defeat now sees the Wanderers NPL 2 team drop to 8th on the table and will now switch their focus to Saturday night’s clash against Mounties at Sydney United Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Rydalmere Lions 4 (Victor Anyimba 7’ 85’, Michael Konestabo 91’, Yasser Al Taay 97’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Perry Fotakopoulos 30’, Mohamed Adam 96’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Jack Greenwood, Mohamed Al Taay, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Henry Davies, Adrian Valenti, Perry Fotakopoulos, Joshua Bartolotto (Tacettin Kumsuz 78’), Fabian Monge, Samuel Silvera (Rory Jordan 89’), Oliver Puflett (Mohamed Adam 62’), Marley Peterson
Unused substitutes: Daniel Axford, Noah Pagden
Other results:
U20: Rydalmere 2-4 WSW
U18: Rydalmere 1-2 WSW
U16: Canterbury Bankstown 1-2 WSW
U15: Canterbury Bankstown 0-0 WSW
U14: Canterbury Bankstown 0-9 WSW
U13: Canterbury Bankstown 0-6 WSW
