Cholakian focused on Wanderers test
Fresh from securing a coveted Round of 32 Australia Cup spot for the third time in the club’s history, Rockdale Ilinden’s diminutive attacking midfielder Brendan Cholakian has his sights set on continuing the club’s form with a huge fixture against the Western Sydney Wanderers this Sunday.
Having notched up six goals thus far, Cholakian is hoping for a good performance in the club’s push to continue its fight for the Premiership and Championship.
“After missing last weekend’s game against Marconi due to postponement, the boys are champing at the bit to get out there for this one,” Cholakian stated to Football NSW.
“It’s an important game for us and we are focused on executing our game plan to gain all 3 points.
“Our amazing fans will be out in force as well and I know that will give us an extra lift.”
Ilinden’s number 10 managed to get himself on the scoresheet in Wednesday evening’s Round 7 Australia Cup Preliminary round victory over Eastern Suburbs FA’s Phoenix FC in their 9-1 victory that not only booked their round of 32 ticket but a Waratah Cup Semi-Final spot also.
Ilinden coach Paul Dee will hope that the form of his goalscoring star and 2023 Player of the Year and Golden Boot recipient Alec Urosevski continues to roll on.
Urosevski has scored 16 goals and will be looking at adding to his tally on Sunday.
Ilinden were the first club to inflict a loss on the Wanderers during their golden run early in the year with Cholakian and co hoping to make it two from two against some of the best young talents around.
The Wanderers will however be without a couple of key players including the suspended Aydon Hammond as well as Alex Badolato and Jesse Cameron who are currently on Young Socceroos duty in South America. Doni Grdic won’t feature as well as his time at the club came to an end earlier this week.
Regardless Wanderers coach Andrew Christiansen’s squad is littered with talent as the likes of Ryley Hollingdale, Ryan Devin, Marcus Fernandez, Antony Barbic, Awan Lual, Roman Culina, Dallo Sandy and Phillip Gigliotti will look towards surprising the current league leaders on Sunday.
