Howling Wolves put Sharks to the sword
It was one way traffic as the Wollongong Wolves registered a resounding 4-0 victory over the Sutherland Sharks in round 4 of the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition on Wednesday evening at Seymour Shaw.
The Wolves led by two going into the break after a quality Sebastian Hernandez brace in the 12th and 46th minute in a tight half. Substitute Takumi Ofuka made an instant impact off to the bench to make it 3-0 then he added a fourth late in the piece.
Sutherland Sharks had their chances in the first half to get into the game. Jay McGowan and Maxx Green had the best opportunities for the hosts who continue to languish on a single point after the first month.
The Sharks were the first side to test the keeper. Maxx Green had played a good combination before he rolled into the box and shot straight.
Wollongong wolves opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Sebastian Hernandez latched onto a loose pass at the back and slotted home for 1-0.
Sutherland Sharks responded with a flurry of chances. Jay McGowan went close twice but neither tested Wolves keeper Vedran Janjetovic.
The Sharks kept pushing forward for an equalizer. Green thrashed an effort wide then he followed it up with nodding wide.
Wolves weren’t content to sit on their lead. Fernandez lashed wide then Yagoub Mustafa bustled through the defence but his shot was saved by Sharks keeper Jacob Cremen-Cowan.
The visitors struck a blow right on half-time to make it 2-0. It was strong work on the left which released Hernandez who fired home in the 46th minute.
Wollongong Wolves tried to make another fast start in the second half. They swung in a corner which saw Lachlan Scott head straight.
They did get their third goal in the 57th minute. Substitute Takumi Ofuka this time pounced on a loose pass and made it 3-0.
It was all Wolves after that goal. Hernandez was on the hunt for his hat-trick, he thrashed one inside the box and it rattled the bar.
Another substitute for the Wolves almost got on the scoresheet. Jake Trew had a pair of chances which were saved well by Cremen-Cowan.
Hernandez turned provider with a lung busting run to get the ball, wrapped his foot around the cross for Trew to poke right at Cremen-Cowan.
Ufuka went close to getting himself on the scoresheet. He stood over a free-kick, curled it over the wall and thudded it against the post.
Wolves made it 4-0 in the 92nd minute. Ufuka with a wonderful curling effort into the bottom corner to round it off.
Wollongong Wolves coach David Carney was delighted with how his side put in a quality performance against the Sharks.
“I thought we were excellent.
“They had a few chances early but we were comfortable with the 4-0 win in the end.
“The subs when it is a bit hot are key and overall, I thought the lads were fantastic.” said Carney.
Match Stats
Sutherland Sharks FC 0
Wollongong Wolves FC 4 (Fernandez ’12, ‘45+1, Ofuka ’57, 90+2)
Wednesday 6 March 2024
Seymour Shaw, Miranda
Referee: Logan Jones
Assistant Referees: Cameron Wright & Hayden Kaye
Fourth Official: Blake Sanchez-Cruz
Sutherland Sharks: 2. Kotaro Katsuta (21. Luke Sauer ’45), 4. Mitchell Stamatellis, 6. Samuel Gulisano, 7. James Cakovski (5. Takahide Umebachi ’72), 9. Maxx Green (77. Levi Sciuriaga ’61), 10. Mason Fernandez, 11. Jay McGowan, 14. Chris Lindsay (3. Jordan Roberts ’78), 15. Matthew Moric, 27. Matthew Jackson (26. Jacob Garner ’78), 99. Jacob Cremen-Cowan
Unused subs: 1. Nenad Vekic
Yellow cards: Garner, Umebachi, Moric
Red cards: nil
Wollongong Wolves: 2. Harrison Buesnel, 4. Dylan Ryan, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Samuel Riak, 8. Andre Takami, 10. Yagoub Mustafa (7. Takumi Ofuka ’56), 11. Sebastian Hernandez (27. Damon Gray ’79), 20. Vedran Janjetovic, 24. Lachlan Scott (9. Jake Trew ’67), 25. Alex Masciovecchio, 88. Christopher McStay
Unused subs: 13. Oliver Yates, 15. Dax Kelly, 29. Thomas Dunn
Yellow cards: Buesnel, Masciovecchio
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings
3: Sebastian Hernandez (WW)
2: Alex Masciovecchio (WW)
1: Samuel Riak (WW)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
