Hills slump continues as Wolves impress at Landen

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Wollongong Wolves continued their impressive June form with a 2-0 victory over Hills United in National Premier League Men’s NSW round 21 action at Landen Stadium.

A goal either side of halftime gave the Wolves a two goal advantage before they held out against the hosts who created a few chances late on.

It was a good start for the visitors with Takumi Ofuka opening the scoring inside the quarter hour with a low shot from the edge of the box.

A goal which was nearly pegged back immediately, Hills having perhaps their best chance of the half soon after, a shot saved by Vedran Janjetovic before the rebound came off the post.

Enjoying plenty of possession, the hosts were next to have a notable chance, a bit of Thomas Makko trickery created an opening in the 26th minute. Gliding past his defender, he drew a save from Janjetovic who turned his effort round his right hand post.

While their visitors looked particularly dangerous in transition, Christopher McStay had his shot from range saved by Ryan Wood two minutes later. Lachlan Scott followed that shortly after with an effort over the bar beating his man to a cross at the near post.

The Wolves continued to look the more likely after the resumption of play in the second half,  Ofuka nearly adding a second to his tally from the set piece. His right footed effort from range drawing a save from Wood.

This was shortly followed by another chance to Lachlan Scott who couldn’t quite find a way past Wood after combining with Ofuka on the break in the 58th minute.

Wolves continued to press for their second with Wood then denying Sebastian Hernandez in a one-on-one opportunity.

Hernandez not making a mistake with his second chance soon after, his low shot rolled into the bottom left corner after the visitors pounced on a mistake working it out from the back just shy of the 65th minute.

Hills’ best chance of the second half up until this point came soon after that. Makko hooked a shot from just outside the area wide of the left post.

Their night was summed up with a chance to substitute Wade Giovenali before the 85th minute, Giovenali sliding his effort left of the target on the end of a Belkadi through ball.

Lachlan Scott and Sebastian Hernandez almost added a third at the other end both hitting the woodwork in the final stages.

Wollongong Wolves extended their unbeaten run to five games ahead of a visit to Western Sydney Wanderers next weekend, while Hills United take on Rockdale Ilinden in round 22 action hoping to get back to the winner’s circle.

Match Stats

Hills United 0

Wollongong Wolves 2 (Ofuka 13’, Hernandez 64’)

Saturday 22 June, 2024

Landen Stadium, Seven Hills

Referee: Brodie Merchant

Assistant Referees: Matthew Harris & Rowan Fisher

Fourth Official: Liam Smith

Hills United: 1 Ryan Wood (GK), 5. Daniel Petkovski, 9. Yu Okubo (20. Thomas Lopez 58’), 11. Anthony Frangie (24. Sunday Yona 79’), 12. Jordan Lane, 13. Cam Philp (14. Samuel O’Connor 70’), 15. Noah Casserly, 19. Glen Kelshaw (7. Wade Giovenali 79’), 22. Bryon Ginn, 26. Thomas Makko, 27. Nicolai Muller (10. Jamal Belkadi 70’)

Substitutes Not Used: 21. Emlyn Cross

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Wollongong Wolves: 20. Vedran Janjetovic, 2. Harrison Buesnei, 4. Dylan Ryan, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Samuel Riak 7. Takumi Ofuka, 9. Jake Trew (11. Sebastian Hernandez 61’), 10. Yagoub Mustafa, 24. Lachlan Scott (8. Andre Takimi 91’), 25. Alex Masciovecchio (27. Damon Gray 87’), 88. Christopher McStay.

Substitutes Not Used: 13. Oliver Yates, 3. Darcy Madden, 15. Dax Kelly

Yellow Cards: Janjetovic 88’, Gray 94’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3- Takumi Ofuka (WW)

2- Christopher Mcstay (WW)

1- Sebastian Hernandez (WW)

By Justin Smith