Bingham keeps the Wolves howling
It may have been a gritty victory but striker Josh Bingham’s sole goal in the Wollongong Wolves’ Round Nine 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Albert Butler Memorial Park on Sunday has once again given the 2019 Premiers hopes of clinching back to back titles.
The 25-year-old former Oak Flats Falcons junior notched up his second goal of the season and one that could prove pivotal after round 11 concludes heading into the Finals Series.
“It was nice to score in what was an important game for us.
“We didn’t play our best football, but to still get the three points and have a big game defensively was a real positive and something we’ll take moving forward with two matches remaining.
“It’s been an exciting season, with some added challenges with the shorter format. You definitely have to go out each week and put your best foot forward because you can’t afford to look back and have missed opportunities for points and that was certainly put to the test against a hungry Wanderers outfit on Sunday.”
Injuries to key personnel have affected Luke Wilkshire’s squad during the rebooted season with the likes of Bul Juach, skipper James Stojcevski, Harry Callahan, Lachlan Scott and Darcey Madden to name a few, that have tested the Wolves playing group.
“We’ve been very unlucky with injuries and have lost some important players in key positions.
“But I think it speaks volumes of the squad we have that players have been able to step in and do a fantastic job and keep the team moving forward.”
One such player that not just the club but the entire National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition was happy to see again was none other than 2019 Golden Boot and Player of the Year Award winner Thomas James.
After spending an uneventful time with A-League outfit Perth Glory, Bingham was delighted to see the Englishman doing his thing for the club at the business end of the NPL NSW Men’s season.
“It’s been great having TJ out there, he’s a top-quality player and can create something out of nothing which is a huge asset, especially coming to the tail end of the season.”
Bingham and co will be on their guard this Sunday evening as the Wolves travel to Rockdale where they will face a tricky Sydney FC outfit who are also battling for a Finals Series finish.
“We know the quality that they have and are expecting nothing less than a tough game against the Sky Blues.
“We have to treat every game now like a final and we’ll be doing just that and are confident we can beat anyone if we play to our potential.
“Playing finals football and winning silverware is something we’re hungry for. With the teams so close at the top, we know we just have to control what we can and win the games ahead of us.”
Bingham heaped praise on coach Luke Wilkshire as he stated to Football NSW how much he has learned during his time at the South Coast club.
“It’s been great learning and playing under Luke. He’s got such a strong winning mentality and that’s evident in the team he’s put together over the last couple of years and the results that have come with it.
“It’s a top group of people in and around the team and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
