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Goals galore as Wolves and Sharks close out season with entertaining draw

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Wollongong Wolves and Sutherland Sharks were unable to be separated in a 3-3 draw at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

It was an exhilarating opening half in Wollongong with the home side bursting into a two-goal lead inside the first 10 minutes courtesy of a Banri Kanaizumi brace.

Jeremy Cox scored Sutherland’s first before Chris Lindsay scored from the spot to see the scores level at the break.

Mitch Smith put the Sharks in front early in the second period before Leroy Jennings restored parity for the Wolves later in the half.

The hosts got off to the best of starts finding the opening goal within 60 seconds.

Leroy Jennings’ right-sided corner found Kanaizumi in the middle who headed into the left side of the goal.

Wollongong doubled their advantage in the eighth minute with Kanaizumi getting on the end of another Jennings’ corner this time from the left.

The defender headed beyond Sutherland keeper Jacob Cremen-Cowan to add his second goal of the game.

Sutherland almost halved the deficit three minutes later, with James Andrew wriggling into the right channel of the box before the ball rolled to Cox.

Cox’s shot from close range forced Wollongong keeper Hayden Durose into a save before the ball was cleared away from danger.

Cox eventually scored in the 19th minute as a shot from the right edge of the box was parried by Durose into the path of the forward at the back post who made no mistake facing an open goal.

The home side continued to threaten from set pieces and midway through the half Nikola Djordjevic got his head on a corner, but it bounced straight to Cremen-Cowan.

The Sharks restored parity just after the half-hour mark when Lindsay side-footed a penalty into the left side of the net with Durose diving the other way.

Buoyed by the equalising goal, Sutherland continued to pursue further goals before the break.

With six minutes to go, Andrew was played in behind the right channel and saw his shot from inside the box saved, before he skied the follow up.

Cox had another chance in the final minute of the half turning well centrally inside the box, but the shot was straight at Durose.

The visitors went into halftime level after coming from two goals down.

The Wolves almost retook the lead four minutes into the second half as Lachlan Scott, who had come as a substitute at half time, sent a first-time shot from the middle of the box over.

However, it was Sutherland who found the go-ahead goal three minutes later with Mitch Smith receiving a ball over the top into the right channel before accurately sliding a right-footed effort into the far corner.

Sutherland carried on with their attacking impetus with the side coming close again in the 57th minute.

A well-constructed move from left to right enabled Andrew get a cross in from the byline that Wollongong defender Nick Littler nearly diverted into his own goal with the ball rolling past the right post.

The away side came close again 65 minutes in with Andrew driving into the right of box before passing across to Lindsay whose first-time effort was tipped over the bar by Durose.

Despite a run of good chances for Sutherland, Wollongong found the equaliser a couple of minutes later.

Josh Macdonald swung a delivery towards the right side of the box for Kanaizumi who played it back across goal with the ball dropping to Jennings who smashed it home from close in.

The Wolves nearly jagged a late winner with two opportunities in the final 10 minutes.

In the 81st minute, a right-sided corner fell at the feet of Kanaizumi in the middle who shovelled it over the bar.

Two minutes after, a determined run across the top of the box from Jennings allowed the midfielder to play Nav Darjani into the right channel who drew a sharp save from Cremen-Cowan.

Neither side was able to find a winner in what remained of the game despite Durose pulling off an impressive save in stoppage time with the sides sharing the points in a 1-1 draw.

Wollongong Wolves player Jennings explained how it had been a tough year for the side despite an entertaining match against Sutherland.

“It was a pretty exciting game – six goals is fun for the spectator, but it was tough. It was end-to-end, both teams wanted to go out on a high after a long season,” he said.

“It’s another season, another year of experience for me – always trying to be better.

“It wasn’t the best season for the team performance, but you take positives and move on to next season.”

In what was coach Luke Wilkshire’s last game following a wonderful journey, the former Socceroo reflected on his four years at the Wolves.

“It’s [Wollongong] my hometown,” he said.

“I’ve learnt a lot, obviously coming outside of playing.

“I’ve learnt a lot about man-management, I’ve learnt a lot about myself, about players, about a lot of different things I’ve got to say.

“I take away a lot of great memories. Fantastic life-long friendships that I’ve made here.”

Sutherland co-coach Steve Gordon was pleased with the way the side performed especially after conceding two goals so early in the game.

“I think it was a good entertaining game. Obviously a couple of set pieces hurt us early,” he said.

“We seemed to again respond when we’re behind but credit to the boys we played some really good football in there, it’s just the inconsistency and that’s probably been our season.”

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 3 (Banri Kanaizumi 1’, 8’, Leroy Jennings 67’)

Sutherland Sharks 3 (Jeremy Cox 19’, Chris Lindsay penalty 32’, Mitch Smith 52’)

Sunday 31 July, 2022

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Referee: Brodie Merchant

Assistant Referees: Maggie Price and Harrison Fisher

Fourth Official: Hadi Al-Nakeeb

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Hayden Durose, 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Senna Stevenson, 8. Brendan Griffin (25. Nav Darjani 79’), 10. Takumi Tsujimura (12. Nicholas Kalule 79’), 15. Nick Littler, 17. Marcus Beattie, 19. Jake Lavalle (24. Lachlan Scott 46’), 20. Kuot Malliet (9. Joshua Macdonald 57’), 22. Leroy Jennings

Substitutes Not Used: 13. Tomas Butkovic, 2. Daniel Goni

Yellow Cards: Senna Stevenson 90+2’, Leroy Jennings 90+3’

Red Cards: Nil

Sutherland Sharks: 26. Jacob Cremen-Cowan, 6. Pat O’Shea (8. John Fotopoulos 79’), 7. Evan Ball, 9. Jeremy Cox, 10. Lachlan Everett,14. Chris Lindsay, 17. James Andrew, 18. Mitch Smith (25. Luke Sauer 79’), 22. Nick Sullivan, 23. Mark Rodic, 99. Lachlan Macdonald

Substitutes Not Used: 16. Samuel Smith, 32. Tye Mcgowan, 33. Matthew Jackson

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Timothy Gibson

-Photo credit Pedro Garcia

 

 

Blacktown City eyes Premiership after resounding victory over Wolves

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It was all business for Blacktown City FC who reclaimed top spot on Sunday afternoon after a 4-1 win over Wollongong Wolves FC at Blacktown City Sports Centre.

With the race for the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership resting in the balance, the equation was simple for  Blacktown City as they hosted Wollongong Wolves – win and you’ll return to the top of the ladder with one game remaining in the regular season.

Although their opponents were out of contention for a finals spot, City would need to be cautious of a traveling side with nothing to lose and start fast. And start fast they did.

From the outset, Blacktown controlled the ball as they looked to set up camp in Wollongong’s half. Creating a handful of half chances, it was the final ball that let them down when it mattered most early.

16 minutes in, after beginning to get a foothold in the contest, the away side created their first real chance via Jake Lavalle who was played through on goal and met by an onrushing Robinson.

The custodian’s challenge saw the ball fall back to Lavalle’s feet however, thankfully for City, their defence was on hand to delay Lavalle’s strike which was fired straight into the chest of a backtracking Robinson.

After a quiet period in the middle of the half, Blacktown found the back of the net in the 39th minute through their all-time leading scorer, Travis Major.

The forward notched his 99th goal for the club after Jak O’Brien was coolly played in by Jordan Smylie. Heading the byline, O’Brien’s cutback deflected, falling into the path of Major, who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

Coming out with intent in the second half, the hosts came close to a second just 45 seconds after the restart.

Making his way into the box, Major clipped a ball to the back post which found its way to Shabow. The attacker fired a strike which rebounded to Jackson Bandiera.

His effort from 12 yards out crashed against the crossbar and out of play, much to the dismay of all involved for Blacktown.

The home side would only have to wait three minutes for another opportunity however, this time, they would make no mistake.

A lofted ball towards the back post from Adam Berry was met by Smylie, whose looping header left Wolves keeper Hayden Durose rooted to the spot as the ball dipped under the crossbar and into the net.

In the 56th minute, Blacktown nearly had a third through Daniel Collins who rose highest from a corner. Luckily for Wollongong, his header flew just wide of Durose’s left hand post.

After a period of sustained possession, Blacktown found a third with 20 minutes left.

Playing the ball along the backline, Adam Berry released a pinpoint long ball, cutting the Wollongong defence and setting Mitchell Mallia clean through on goal.

The forward set himself and made no mistake, firing past an onrushing Durose and wheeling away in celebration.

With seven minutes to play, Wollongong finally found the back of the net.

Bringing down a high ball expertly, Leroy Jennings was brought down in the box by Blacktown defender Daniel Collins.

Although pleading his case, referee Sam Kelly waived away the claims. Making no mistake, Jennings placed his penalty low and hard, to the left of Robinson, giving his side a late lifeling in the contest.

Unfortunately for Wollongong however, they conceded just two minutes later, this time coming via the left foot of one of Blacktown’s favourite sons, Danny Choi.

Known for top draw finishes, Choi didn’t disappoint, picking up the ball 25 yards out.

Setting himself, he let rip a curling effort that was only ever bound for the top left corner, leaving Durose with no chance.

That would be the final nail in the coffin for Wollongong, as Blacktown closed out the remaining stage of the contest, running away 4-1 winners.

With one match remaining, Blacktown now sit top of the table, and now look forward to a blockbuster trip to Sydney Olympic FC on the final day of the regular season next week.

Match Stats

Blacktown City FC 4 (Major 39’, Smylie 49’, Mallia 70’, Choi 86’)

Wollongong Wolves FC 1 (Jennings 84’)

Sunday, 24th July, 2022

Blacktown City Sports Centre, Seven Hills

Referee: Sam Kelly

Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki and Logan Jones

Fourth Official:  Alessandro Llana

Blacktown City FC: 3. Daniel Collins, 4. Lachlan Campbell (6. Matthew Lewis 78’), 5. Grant Lynch, 7. Travis Major (45. Danny Choi 73’), 8. Jak O’Brien, 10. Mario Shabow (21. Charles Mendy 78’), 17. Dakota Askew, 19. Adam Berry, 24. Jackson Bandiera, 30. Alex Robinson,  89. Jordan Smylie (11. Mitch Mallia 63’)

Substitutes Not Used:  22. Carlos De Oliveira, 40. Dylan Niski,

Yellow Cards: 3. Daniel Collins 83’

Red Cards: Nil

Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Hayden Durose, 3. Darcy Madden (3. Daniel Collins 46’), 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Senna Stevenson (10. Takumu Tsujimura 57’), 8. Brendan Griffin, 9. Joshua Macdonald (12. Harrison Taranto 73’), 17. Marcus Beattie, 19. Jake Lavalle (20. Kuot Maliet 57’), 22. Leroy Jennings, 24. Lachlan Scott (25. Nav Darjani 73’)

Substitutes Not Used: 13. Tomas Butkovic.

Yellow Cards: 4. Nikola Djordjevic 23’, 16. Guy Knight 63’, 12. Harrison Taranto 83’

Red Cards: Nil

Wolves frustrate Stallions in goalless draw

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The Wollongong Wolves have managed to frustrate Marconi Stallions to a 0-0 draw at WIN Stadium on Friday night, a result that has opened the door for Blacktown City to leapfrog them following their match on Saturday against the Sutherland Sharks.

Despite a plethora of chances throughout the 90 minutes neither team was able to capitalise on their opportunities, leaving the game to finish goalless.

Three points would have been incredibly valuable to Marconi’s National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Premiership campaign, but they’ll move forward with one point as they enter the final two matches of the season.

Marconi started off strong with a dominant display in the opening stages of the match.

Marko Jesic curled in a shot in the 5th minute with the opening chance of the match but he sent it a touch too high and it soared over the bar.

Domenic Costanzo, Connor Evans and Jesic combined for the Stallions to create an opportunity just two minutes later but the scrambling Wollongong defence kept it out.

Costanzo came back for more in the 11th minute, receiving the ball inside the area but he rocketed his shot above the crossbar.

The Wolves had a chance in the 15th minute through Beattie, but the fast-acting custodian Nenad Vekic managed to spring into action and deny the home side.

The visitors had yet another opportunity in the 18th minute but missed a golden opportunity as Chris Hatfield wasn’t able to get in the right position to receive the ball and finish.

Both teams settled into the match without creating too much action for the ensuing quarter of an hour before they upped the ante ahead of the half-time break.

Hatfield created another opportunity for Marconi in the 32nd minute but his strike flew past the goalmouth.

Wollongong retaliated in the 39th minute as Banri Kanaizumi sent a ball towards the target from well outside the 18-yard box but Vekic managed to collect.

Brandon Vella had the last chance before the break but his effort wasn’t able to reach the target, leaving the two sides to hit the sheds in a goalless deadlock.

Marconi came back from the break with plenty of energy and created another opportunity in the 48th minute as Costanzo delivered the ball to Taylor McDonald, but the former Wolf’s header was slightly off target.

Wollongong defender Nick Littler had an attacking opportunity in the 62nd minute as he sent a strike goalbound, but it flew well above the bar and out of contention.

Marconi’s McDonald managed to scrape the ball off the line and send it to the back post for Costanzo in the 66th minute, but Costanzo’s effort came off the woodwork.

Wollongong goalkeeper Hayden Durose was incredibly lucky referee Michael Weiner didn’t point to the spot in the 75th minute as he down out substitute Martin Fernandez on the edge of the box, leaving the Marconi players furious given their penalty conversion rate this season.

Costanzo made a promising run forward in the 77th minute, firing an effort towards the target, but it ricocheted off the crossbar to muffle out yet another chance for the visitors.

Fernandez had a great chance to score a late winner in the 83rd minute but his blistering effort saw a quick reaction from Durose to flick it  over the crossbar.

McDonald had a chance in the 90th minute of the match but his ball flew over the target.

As both sides fought until the death to try to secure a late win, neither was able to come out on top with a point apiece the result as referee Weiner blew his whistle.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves FC 0

Marconi Stallions FC 0 

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Friday, 15th July, 2022

Referee: Michael Weiner

Assistant Referees: Ivica Covic and Aaron Bloch

Fourth Official: Joel Crawford

Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Hayden Durose, 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 8. Brendan Griffin, 9. Jake Lavalle (6. Kuot Maliet 69’), 11. Joshua Macdonald (16. Guy Knight 86’), 13. Nick Littler, 17. Marcus Beattie, 20. Senna Stevenson (10. Takumu Tsujimura 55’), 21. Leroy Jennings, 24. Lachlan Scott

Substitutes Not Used: 7. Nav Darjani, 12. Harrison Taranto, 13. Tomas Butkovic

Yellow Cards: Griffin 50’

Red Cards: Nil

Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Nenad Vekic, 2. Nathan Millgate, 3. Giorgio Speranza, 4. Roberto Speranza, 6. Domenic Costanzo, 7. Christopher Hatfield (17. Martin Fernandez 62’), 8. Connor Evans, 10. Marko Jesic, 16. Liam Youlley, 22. Taylor McDonald, 23. Brandon Vella

Substitutes Not Used: 13. Samuel Gulisano, 14. Jarred McKinley, 19. Zach Cairncross, 20. Dion Shaw, 35. Justin Vidic

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Goals galore as Mt Druitt celebrate seven goal thriller over Wolves

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It was raining goals at Popondetta Park as Mt Druitt Town Rangers collected just their third victory of the NPL NSW Men’s season with a thrilling 4-3 victory against a gritty Wollongong Wolves outfit on Friday night.

Bul Juach was the hero for the hosts as he scored a first half brace alongside Jack Stewart’s goal for a 3-1 lead. John  Roberts added a fourth in the second half.

Wollongong Wolves were gallant in defeat however and gave it their all till the very end.

Lachlan Scott fired home a brace for the visitors – one from the spot and the other a header – alongside yet another trademark header from Japanese import Banri Kanaizumi which brought it back to 4-3.

On a cold evening at Popondetta Park, the action heated up early as visitors Wollongong Wolves had an effort within the first minute through sharpshooter Scott which flew wide.

Stewart inspired the Mt Druitt Town Rangers NAIDOC week jerseys worn on the night responded with a weaving effort of his own in the 13th minute which was saved by Hayden Durose.

The prolific striker was on target with his second effort. Stewart found an inch of space and rifled into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0 Mt Druitt Town Rangers as the proud Indigenous star added to his tally of 10 for the 2022 season.

Buoyed by the opener, Mt Druitt Town Rangers almost doubled the score in the 26th minute. Fumoto Kamada slalomed through a flurry of defenders but couldn’t squeeze his effort inside the post.

The visitors though levelled the game with a penalty on the half hour mark. Scott coolly stepped up to take and rolled it into the bottom corner for 1-1.

Stewart continued to be a nuisance for the Wolves defence. The striker curled a free-kick towards the top corner which produced a superb save from Durose.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers restored their lead in the 36th minute much to the delight of the brave locals that were in attendance. Juach curled home an absolute beauty to make it 2-1.

The hosts made it a two-goal advantage right on half-time. A set piece was swung onto the head of Solomon-John Monahan Vaiika that was then touched home by Juach for 3-1.

Sprinting out of the break, the Wolves had a pair of chances trying to bite into the two-goal deficit. Nikola Djordjevic thrashed wide then Leroy Jennings skewed wide minutes later.

The Wolves did pull a goal back just before the hour mark. A free-kick was swung in and found the head of Scott who nodded home to make it 3-2 as the ace marksman hit home his 13th goal of the year.

It started to open up for both sides as the match headed into the final half hour. Scott was the danger for the Wolves with a few efforts then Mt Druitt almost scored on the counter.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers once again restored their two-goal advantage with a nice goal in the 69th minute. John Roberts swiveled well before he slotted home to make it 4-2 for the hosts.

Wollongong Wolves though refused to go away in the contest. The visitors scored from another set piece when the header from Kanaizumi squirmed into the net for 4-3.

Substitute Kuol Maliet was almost the hero for the Wolves. The youngster drove onto a ball and rode it into the penalty area before he directed his shot right at Mt Druitt custodian Robert Fanella.

Speaking post-match, a jubilant Mt Druitt Town Rangers coach Stewart Montgomery was delighted with his side’s effort and how his troops have strung together some good results during the second half of the NPL NSW Men’s season.

“It was a pretty decisive win for us tonight. It reminded us of the Sydney United 58 game where we lost our shape and invited them back in. We conceded off three set pieces tonight.

“It’s important for us to have gotten 10 results in our last 18 games. We roll onto Northbridge Bulls in our Round 18 catch up match on Tuesday night.

“I am proud of the boys, they’ve dug deep this season and in the last 10 games we’ve done well.” said Montgomery.

Montgomery also remarked on their NAIDOC strip inspired by striker Jack Stewart.

“It is NAIDOC week which Jack is proud to be a part of. Western Sydney has a strong Indigenous community and we want to support them.” finished Montgomery.

For Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire, it was a game of two halves.

“It was a game of two halves.

“I thought we were the better side in the second half but not in the first.

“I was disappointed by some of the goals we gave up.

“I was happy with our response as we won the second half 2-1 but it was hard after going down 3-1.” said Wilkshire.

“We have three games left, two of those at home. We have pride as a club and we will keep playing till that final whistle sounds at the end of the season.”

Match Stats

Mt Druitt Town Rangers 4 (Stewart ‘23, Juach ‘36, ‘45+2, Roberts ‘69)

Wollongong Wolves 3 (Scott ‘30, ‘57, Kanaizumi ‘79)

Friday 8th July 2022

Popondetta Park, Emerton

Referee: Craig Fisher

Assistant Referees: Emma Kocbek & Joel Crawford

Fourth Official: Logan Jones

Mt Druitt Town Rangers: 1. Robert Fanella, 2. Rhett Desilva, 4. Cooper Coskerie, 5. Bul Juach (12. Mohammed Sabbouh ‘90+2), 6. Rocco Fragale, 7. Jack Stewart (14. Olayinka Sunmola ‘45), 8. Jason Perez, 9. John Roberts, 10. Tarek Elrich, 11. Fumoto Kamada, 19. Solomon-John Monahan Vaiika (21. Ivan Sunjic ‘75)

Unused subs: 13. Louis Khoury, 15. Brayden Burr, 30. Jerome Narayan

Yellow cards: Desilva ‘30, Fanella ‘85

Red cards:

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Hayden Durose, 3. Darcy Madden (16. Guy Knight ‘10 (12. Harrison Taranto ‘84)), 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Senna Stevenson (10. Takumu Tsujimura ‘45), 8. Brendan Griffin, 11. Josh McDonald (25. Nav Darjani ‘45), 15. Nick Littler, 17. Marcus Beattie, 19. Jake Lavalle (20. Kuot Maliet ‘79), 22. Leroy Jennings, 24. Lachlan Scott

Unused subs: 13. Tomas Butkovic

Yellow cards: Griffin ‘38, Taranto ‘90+1

Red cards:

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)

Ilinden earn valuable victory in Wollongong

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Two first half goals guided Rockdale Ilinden to a 2-1 victory against Wollongong Wolves on a torrential Friday night at WIN Stadium. 

The away side went into the break with two-goal lead after Alec Urosevski and Jaden Casella both found the net.

Lachlan Scott’s penalty with nine minutes to play in the match proved only a consolation for the hosts.

Rockdale got off to a fast start creating two chances in the opening five minutes.

Three minutes in, a ball over the top found Urosevski clean through on goal, and he attempted to pass a shot into the far-left corner, but it rolled straight to Wolves’ keeper Hayden Durose.

Two minutes later a corner from the right met the head of Daniel Petkovski, who was unable to direct his effort under the crossbar.

The visitors’ early pressure told with nine minutes played as Urosevski opened the scoring.

Urosevski intercepted a stray back pass in the left channel of the box with the forward sending a composed finish beyond Durose and into the net.

It was the quality star striker’s 17th goal of the NPL NSW Men’s campaign and with it, took over the lead in the Golden Boot tally.

Wollongong looked to respond over the next 15 minutes creating several opportunities.

In the 20th minute Leroy Jennings picked up the ball in the right of the box, but his narrow-angled shot was held onto by Rockdale shot stopper David Bradasevic.

Seven minutes later Jennings had another chance as a well-worked move on the left saw the ball cutback to the midfielder, but his shot from close range was deflected over the bar.

Half-an-hour in, Wolves’ player Jake Lavalle received the ball in the box after a scramble however his shot was blocked.

Rockdale stepped up their attacking intent in the final 10 minutes of the first half hoping to double their advantage heading into half time.

In the 38th minute, Urosevski slid a pass into the box for Jaden Casella whose left-footed shot bounced onto the right post after Durose got a hand to it.

The rebound fell to Urosevski in the middle of the box, but his effort was deflected over the bar.

A couple of minutes after, the side found their second goal of the game as Casella whipped a left-footed curling strike into the top left corner from the right of the box.

Wollongong’s Scott drove a shot wide of the left post in the final minute of first half regular time.

Three minutes into additional time, Urosevski was involved again taking on a shot from the left-edge of the box that Durose eventually held onto after the ball bounced in front of him.

Rockdale went into half time with a two-goal advantage after a goal at either end of the half.

It was a more reserved start to the second period with neither side creating anything of substance in the opening 10 minutes.

However, just before the hour mark the Wolves conjured up a couple of opportunities.

In the 57th minute, Jennings’ shot from the right edge of the box swerved wide of the right post and two minutes later, Scott lashed an effort from the right of the box narrowly over the bar.

64 minutes in, Rockdale’s Peter Kekeris skewed a left-footed shot off target after picking up the ball in the left channel of the box.

Three minutes later Urosevski found himself through on goal again, but Durose made a save from close range.

Wollongong went down the other end with Jennings’ first-time shot from the edge of the box sailing over the bar.

The away side started to push forward and in the 79th minute Kekeris found himself in space outside the box centrally and had a shot that fell over the crossbar.

Seconds later Tomoki Wada sent a shot from similar position just over the bar.

The hosts were handed a lifeline 81 minutes in when the side was awarded a penalty that Scott buried into the bottom left corner.

Three minutes after the goal Scott had another chance with a shot from outside the box, but it rolled straight to Bradasevic.

With four minutes to go Rockdale looked to extend their lead with Kekeris shifting the ball inside from the left and powering a shot just past the right post.

In the 88th minute Wollongong nearly pulled the scores level as Brendan Griffin’s right-sided cross found Kuot Maliet at the back post who headed wide.

Despite a late surge the Wolves were unable to find an equaliser with Rockdale Ilinden running out 2-1 winners at WIN Stadium.

Rockdale coach Steve Zoric was pleased with the performance and believed that this result could provide momentum heading into the final stages of the season.

“I thought we controlled most parts of the game. We made it hard for ourselves obviously with that individual error and then the penalty – we allowed them back in the game,” he said.

“I’m happy with how the troops are bouncing back and we’re starting to get a full deck back on board. We’re starting to turn that corner and the football’s been great so I’m really happy with the lads and their response.”

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 1 (Lachlan Scott penalty 81’)

Rockdale Ilinden 2 (Alec Urosevski 9’, Jaden Casella 40’)

Friday 1 July, 2022

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Referee: Michael Weiner

Assistant Referees: Brodie Merchant and Aaron Bloch

Fourth Official: Logan Jones

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Hayden Durose, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Senna Stevenson, 10. Takumu Tsujimura (8. Brendan Griffin 71’), 11. Joshua Macdonald (25. Nav Darjani 71’), 15. Nick Littler, 16. Guy Knight, 17. Marcus Beattie, 19. Jake Lavalle, 22. Leroy Jennings (20. Kuot Maliet 71’), 24. Lachlan Scott

Substitutes Not Used: 2. Daniel Goni, 12. Harrison Taranto, 13. Tomas Butkovic

Yellow Cards: Brendan Griffin 90’, Senna Stevenson 90+3’

Red Cards: Nil

Rockdale Ilinden: 1. David Bradasevic, 2. Daniel Petkovski, 4. Mitchell Stamatellis (15. Jamie Percevski 90’), 5. William Mutch, 6. Daniel Araujo, 7. Alec Urosevski (9. Bai Antoniou 80’), 8. Nicola Kuleski, 10. Tomoki Wada, 11. Peter Kekeris, 23. Jaden Casella (25. Alex Masciovecchio 90’), 88. Christopher Mcstay

Substitutes Not Used: 16. Mohamed Ahmed, 17. Vincent Fedele, 31. Matthew Marrum

Yellow Cards: Christopher Mcstay 90+3’

Red Cards: Nil

By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Timothy Gibson

PHOTO CREDIT Pedro Garcia Photography