The Western Sydney Wanderers have extended their undefeated streak to five games in the NPL 2 after a 2-2 draw with Canterbury Bankstown on Sunday afternoon.
Early strikes from Daniel Wilmering and Mohamed Adam saw the Red & Black race into a two goal lead at Sydney United Sports Centre before being pegged back by second half goals from Toshihisa Saikawa and George Vagerakas.
Marley Peterson signalled the Wanderers intent in the opening stages with a stinging 25-yard drive that was pushed wide by Canterbury goalkeeper Enol Ordonez.
A few minutes later, the Red & Black made their breaktrhough after Tate Russell was released down the right wing, playing a pinpoint corss which was headed home by Wilmering.
In the 20th minute it was close to being 2-0. Adam beat a defender and forced a save from Ordonez with the follow up effort by John Roberts cleared off the line.
However, the wanderers didn’t have to wait long to score their second goal.
Wilmering was involved again, getting behind the defence and whipping in a cross which Ordonez couldn’t handle, leaving Adam with a simple finish.
There were further chances for Peterson and Wilmering, then just before the break Adam sent a shot wide of the target.
Soon after the restart, the Wanderers lead was halved when Saikawa scored from close range.
Both teams had their chances with both Tass Mourdoukoutas and Mohamed Al Taay forced to make crucial defensive plays, while at the other end Peterson flashed a shot across the face of the goal after getting on the end of a cross by Roberts.
Then with just over 20 minutes remaining, the scores were levle after a header from Vagerakas made it 2-2.
The Red & Black pushed to retake the lead and Wanderers substitute Jarrod Carluccio found Adam in the box, but Ordonez was able to save from close range.
A minute later, Peterson picked out Fabian Monge but the shot was straight at the keeper.
Peterson would also test Ordonez with another shot from long range and then in stoppage time there was a penalty shout after Carluccio went to ground, but the referee waved play on.
The draw keeps the Wanderers at the top of the NPL 2 table with both North Shore Mariners and Hills United a point behind.
The Red & Black’s next match is on Easter Saturday taking on St George FC at Ilinden Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Daniel Wilmering 9’, Mohamed Adam 22’)
Canterbury Bankstown 2 (Toshihisa Saikawa 52’, George Vagerakas 69’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Elliot Carwardine, Tate Russell (c), Mohamed Al Taay, Tass Mourdoukoutas, Mathieu Cordier, Andrea Agamemnonos (Rory Jordan 67’), Fabian Monge, Marley Peterson, John Roberts (Jarrod Carluccio 67’), Daniel Wilmering, Mohamed Adam
Unused substitutes: Oliver Kalac, Noah Pagden, Thomas Aquilina
Other results:
U20: WSW 6-0 Canterbury
U18: WSW 5-0 Canterbury
U16: WSW 1-0 Macarthur
U15: WSW 5-0 Macarthur
U14: WSW 7-0 Macarthur
U13: WSW 5-1 Macarthur
