Zoran Juraj SABLJAK
Sydney United 58’s campaign is officially underway after defeating Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 during a sweltering Saturday afternoon at Sydney United Sports Centre. The victory marks their first win this season in the fourth round of the National Premier League Men’s NSW competition.
Both teams struggled to create meaningful opportunities during the opening twenty minutes, with play evenly balanced across the pitch. The deadlock was finally broken in the 24th minute when midfielder Tariq Maia connected with a loose ball outside the penalty area, unleashing a spectacular long-range effort that rocketed into the top right corner to give the hosts the advantage.
Western Sydney nearly equalised in the 33rd minute through forward Kaan Nizam, whose curling attempt from distance was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Josip Orlović. After the interval, the home side created the first chance of the second half when winger Mason Wells delivered a low drive from the right flank that was saved by goalkeeper Tristan Vidackovic in the 49th minute. The Wanderers’ custodian produced another crucial save in the 67th minute, diving to his right to deny another promising long-range attempt from the influential Maia.
The visitors manufactured their best opportunity of the second period in the 73rd minute when Julian Cop fired a shot from distance that Orlović tipped over the crossbar with an impressive save.
United 58 extended their advantage in the 77th minute following a blistering run down the left wing by Leroy Jennings, who skilfully dribbled into the penalty area before calmly placing the ball into the bottom left corner.
The hosts nearly added a third goal in the 87th minute when Michael Glassock found substitute Luke Žuvela inside the box, but Vidackovic intervened with yet another save. Western Sydney had a final opportunity to score a consolation goal in stoppage time from a corner, with substitute Lachlan Tilt meeting Meliwethu Nkomo’s delivery with his head but sending it over the crossbar.
Sydney United are at home again this Sunday 9th of March where they will host Central Coast Mariners with kick off scheduled for 15:00