Out of sorts Ilinden continue to stutter as Wanderers claim vital point
An out of sorts Rockdale Ilinden continued to lose sight of the current NPL Men’s NSW frontrunners after failing to register a win in four matches following a scoreless draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers who clinched a vital point in its pursuit to avoid relegation on Saturday evening.
The opening piece of action fell to the hosts as Wanderers captain Jesse Cameron had a first time shot which was gathered by Ilinden custodian Ronan Mulgrew.
Rockdale Ilinden FC responded through current Golden Boot leader Alec Urosevski who had thrashed a shot past the post in the 26th minute.
Wanderers continued to dominate the chances as Leon Alizart released substitute Nicholas Badolato who smashed his shot wide.
Next it was Alaat Abdul-Rahman who tried his luck. His shot was repelled by Mulgrew then Cameron fired over as Richie Cardozo’s young side looked to gain the early ascendancy against their higher placed opponents.
Rockdale Ilinden looked for their main man again as Urosevski was on the end of a counter which saw his shot trickle to Vidackovic.
The visitors pushed forward yet again looking for the opener. Brendan Cholakian was the next to fizz one past the post.
The hosts tried their luck from the set piece as Alizart stood over the free-kick in the 39th minute and curled it over.
Wanderers went the closest to finding the back of the net soon after that opportunity. Tristan Arrate unfurled a shot which Mulgrew stood tall, the 20 year-old keeper doing well since his tough debut two weeks ago against APIA Leichhardt FC.
Rockdale Ilinden FC had the final chance of the half. Hunter Elliot couldn’t find the net then the follow up from Lochlan Constable was turned away much to the dismay of the visitors bench.
The second half commenced and Urosevski had an early opportunity which went into the side netting as the ace marksman was doing his best to break his barron spell of failing to hit the back of the net in the past four matches.
The visitors were the stronger side to start the second half. Constable found space again and shot right at Vidackovic in the 46th minute.
Ilinden peppered Vidackovic with a flurry of chances with Elliott from the edge of the box having the best opportunity but the custodian captured it.
Rockdale almost created something from the set piece. Constable’s original shot was turned into the path of Moudi Najjar who swept it wide in the 76th minute. The attacker really should have found the target.
The Wanderers were sparked by their substitutes as Alizart started the counter then found Edmun Haddad who blazed wide.
The visitors surged forward again with a slick move which allowed Urosevski into the box but a lunging tackle from Wanderers Lachlan Tilt denied him.
It was to be the final play for Urosevski who hobbled off with an injury, a major concern to Ilinden who, with a couple of matches remaining until the finals series, will need their marksman at his best.
Substitute Lachlan Henderson put a cross right on the head of Wanderers Awan Lual who craned it over the bar in the 91st minute.
Neither side could break the deadlock and the game finished off a stalemate and a point for both sides.
Post match Western Sydney Wanderers manager Richard Cardozo reflected on a solid effort from his side.
“It was very scrappy and the weather didn’t help.
“I thought did some good things and went close to scoring but that has been the story of our season.
“We stood up against a quality team after a disappointing result last week.” said Cardozo.
While it was a case of yet another missed opportunity and dropped points for the 2024 Premiers as Paul Dee stated his side did everything but hit the back of the net.
“It was an entertaining game, hard fought and both teams had good intent.
“We created a lot of chances, but the ball didn’t land where we needed it or someone couldn’t find the final touch tonight.” said Dee.
Match Stats
Western Sydney Wanderers FC 0
Rockdale Ilinden FC 0
Saturday 2 August 2025
Wanderers Football Park
Referee: Logan Jones
Assistant Referees: Matthew James & Hayden Michlmayr
Fourth Official: Damien Delovski
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 1. Tristan Vidackovic, 3. Oscar Morrison (8. Nicholas Badolato ‘10), 4. Ricky Fransen, 5 Lachlan Tilt, 9. Alaat Abdul-Rahman (7. Dallo Sandy ’77), 18, Awan Lual, 19. Max Hately (11. Kaan Nizam ’77), 22. Jesse Cameron (2. Lachlan Henderson ’57), 24. Tristan Arrate (10. Edmun Haddad ’57), 26. Anthony Barbic, 33. Leon Alizart
Unused subs: 20. Lucas Sinnott
Yellow cards: Cameron ‘25
Red cards: nil
Rockdale Ilinden FC: 2. Hunter Elliott, 6. Isaac Danzo, 7. Alec Urosevski (99. Matthew Keremelevski ‘90+4), 9. Moudi Najjar, 10. Brendan Cholakian, 11. Lochlan Constable (23. Oliver Pufflett ’85), 14. Brayden Sorge, 18. Jerry Skotadis (15. Daniel-Ray Djurovic ’74), 20. Ronan Mulgrew, 22. Blake Ricciuto, 88. Christopher Mcstay
Unused subs: 4. James Nikolovski, 28. Steven Kirezis, 46. Paul Kalamvokis
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings:
3: Brendan Cholakian (RCK)
2: Tristan Vidackovic (WSW)
1: Hunter Elliott (RCK)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
