Wanderer Tate Russell has taken some friendly banter from his teammates in his stride after scoring his first goal for the Wanderers senior side in Wednesday night’s 7-1 demolition of Sydney United in the FFA Cup.
The talented right-back was on hand with a superb first-time finish following some wonderful lead-up football that tore open United’s defence.
Russell’s strike went like a rocket before nestling in the right-hand corner of the net.
“It’s a bit insulting that the guys thought it was a cross and not a shot!” Russell said with a laugh.
“It was a great feeling, second to none, to score. It hasn’t happened for a long time.
“And to score in such a big game makes it just that much better.”
Russell, who came off the bench at half time to replace Bruce Kamau, has been performing well in the friendlies and Cup over the past six weeks and it was no different on Wednesday night as he fitted seamlessly into the side as a substitute.
The young gun said the win provided a huge statement as to the intentions of the Wanderers this season.
“It was a great statement to make even if it is still pre-season,” he said.
“We made a statement to our rivals that we are not going to take the foot off the pedal.
“If we score two goals we will go for the third, if we score the third we will go for the fourth.”
