The Wanderers have bounced back from a cruel opening round loss to come-from-behind and claim a point in an entertaining 1-1 draw against the Central Coast Mariners.
Going behind early at Marconi Stadium, the Red & Black rebounded in the second half with a Mario Shabow goal ensuring the points were shared.
Â
An end-to-end start to the game saw the Mariners go closest early but a Wanderers’ backline bolstered by veteran Robert Cornthwaite was enough to keep them at bay.
Â
Finding their feet soon after the initial ambush, the Red & Black put the Central Coast on notice when Mario Shabow lofted a shot over the crossbar before Jackson Bandiera twice got himself into the box but was unable to test the keeper.
Â
The Mariners then found opened the scoring against the run of play when a mix up at the back allowed them to rifle home to an empty net.
Â
But the game should have been even again only minutes later when Abraham Majok won a penalty for the Wanderers only to see Mario Shabow’s effort saved by the Mariners’ keeper.
Â
Emerging from the break with plenty of intensity, the Red & Black nearly drew level instantly with Cole centimetres away from connecting with a cross at the back post.
Â
On the hour mark, the Wanderers then found themselves in the Mariners box courtesy of some fine footwork from Liam Youlley and were unlucky to have successive shots blocked by a desperate Central Coast backline.
Â
Persistence eventually paid off for the Wanderers when a brilliant through ball by Cornthwaite opened up the Mariners defence allowing Shabow to slot home in the 73rd minute after a cross to the far post: his third goal in the opening two games.
Â
With their heads up, Western Sydney went searching for a winner and nearly had it with eight minutes to go when Majok had his header saved from close range with Liam Youlley unable to convert on the rebound.
Â
A nervy last few minutes from both teams would see the game end all square with the Wanderers picking up their first point of the Foxtel National Youth League season.
Â
The Wanderers return to Marconi Stadium on Saturday when they take on Sydney FC in Round 3. Kick-off is 6pm with the Westfield W-League taking on Brisbane Roar earlier in the day at 3pm.
Â
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Mario Shabow 75’)
Central Coast Mariners 1
Â
Western Sydney Wanderers: Daniel Axford (GK), Keanu Baccus, Henry Davies, Robbie Cornthwaite, Jackson Banderia (Moudi Najjar), Liam Youlley, Jacob Melling, Tariq Maia (Ramy Najjarine), Mario Shabow, Shannon Cole, Abraham Majok
Â
Unused subs: Mackenzie Syron (GK), Abdelrahman Kuku
