Wolves the real deal
Wollongong Wolves proved they are serious contenders for silverware this season, continuing their undefeated start to the season with a 2-0 win over reigning Champions Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sportsground on Sunday evening.
The visitors extended their lead at the top of the ladder, capitalising on their chances to take all three points thanks to goals from Lachlan Scott and Darcy Madden.
Wollongong’s defensive prowess was crucial to their victory as they kept out the home side who continued their attacking pressure until the last moments of the game.
Paul Henderson was called into action in just the fifth minute, making an impressive effort to tip a shot from Wollongong over the crossbar.
Olympic were quick to mark their involvement in the game, stringing together a succession of chances that were muffled by Wollongong’s robust defensive line.
The first goal of the game came in the 33rd minute, with the visitors capitalising on a counter-attack opportunity.
Harry Callahan made a threatening run at Olympic’s defence before playing the ball to Lachlan Scott near the penalty spot who fired his shot out of Henderson’s reach and into the netting.
Olympic looked to retaliate just moments later, maneuvering their way through the box with Jack Stewart letting off a shot that went breathtakingly close before rebounding off the woodwork.
Wollongong used their physical defensive style to deny an equaliser for the home side in the early stages of the second half.
The visitors came for seconds in the 87th minute, with Madden extending the lead to two.
Madden received the ball in prime position from Thomas James, who managed to keep in a ball that went astonishingly close to crossing the boundary line.
Olympic continued to mount pressure on the Wolves, winning four consecutive corners in a matter of minutes as the game came to a close.
Wollongong Wolves goalkeeper Justin Pasfield said he was pleased with his side’s effort.
“The way we performed there, I think people are going to recognise who we are now,” he said.
“This is a tough place to come.
“Not many teams will come here and pick up points, they’re a good team Sydney Olympic, they don’t win competitions for nothing.
“We did well but we’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves.
“We’ve got a big game on Wednesday night in the FFA Cup but we go in to WIN Stadium full of confidence and hoping for a big crowd.”
Abbas Saad explained that his side was looking forward to
“They were very good, we were just second best today,” he explained.
“We made our opportunities, but you’ve got to take your opportunities.
“We just couldn’t find the back of the net.
“We’ve just got to do better in the next game.”
Match Stats
Sydney Olympic FC 0
Wollongong Wolves FC 2 (Lachlan Scott 33’, Darcy Madden 87’)
Saturday 7th April, 2019
Belmore Sportsground
Referee:
Sydney Olympic FC: 1. Paul Henderson, 2. Thomas Whiteside, 4. Mitchell Stamatellis (19. Darcy Burgess 86’), 7. Will Angel, 8. Jason Madonis, 10. Harris Gaitatzis (9. Radovan Pavicevic 65’), 11. Jinya An, 14. Alex Sanchez, 17. Jack Stewart (6. Nikola Kuleski 54’), 24. Hagi Gligor, 33. Nikolas Tsattlios
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Ezequiel Consoni, 23. Troy Danaskos
Yellow Cards: Harris Gaitatzis 33’, Mitchell Stamatellis 55’
Red Cards: Nil
Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Justin Pasfield, 2. Taylor McDonald, 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 6. Benjamin Tosi, 9. Thomas James (13. Stefan Dimoski 90’), 11. Takeru Okada, 14. Harry Callahan (23. Jordan Nikolovski 85’), 15. Nick Littler, 16. Guy Knight, 17. James Stojcevski, 24. Lachlan Scott (19. Darcy Madden 79’)
Substitutes Not Used:, 7. Christopher Price, 12. Luke Kaines,
Yellow Cards: Guy Knight 50’, Harry Callahan 54’, Lachlan Scott 57’, Benjamin Tosi 90+1
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Harry Callahan (WW)
2 – Thomas James (WW)
1 – Paul Henderson (SO)
Written by Madeline Riley
@madelineriley23
