Warm 1-0 Win For Wanderers

[mack]

The so called "Western Derby" between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Western United took place today in Parramatta, a match with a significant amount of former Wanderers playing for Western United and all eyes on new Wanderer Morgan Schneiderlin, the game ending 1-0 with Yeni Ngbakoto scoring in the first half and the Wanderers holding on for the three points in hot conditions.

Aidan Simmons earned his first start in the A-League while unpredictable central defender Leo Lacoix missed out for WU due to a leg injury. There was a wealth of talent on the bench, the aforementioned Schneiderlin and marquee attacking midfielder Mils Ninkovic for the home team and 202 Johnny Warren Medal winner Alessandro Diamanti for the visitors.

Yeni Ngbakoto had the first good chance of the game, Gabi Cleur pulled the ball down on the byline with a full stretch, lobbed the ball back across the penalty area but Yeni's strike was powerful but completely off target.

There was drama in the 19th minute, Simmons tried to dribble through the defence, was tackled with the ball rolling to Ngbakoto, his snap shot on the right foot was powerful and bought out a wonderful save from United custodian Jamie Young.

After his bright early start Ngbakoto finally had the goal his, and the Wanderers, play deserved, making it 1-0 in the 27th minute. Another move down the right flank through Nieuwenhof and Cleur, who found Ngbakoto with his cutback. Yeni quickly passed it on for a shot from Simmons, which was blocked by the WU defence but fell fortunately into the space occupied by Ngbakoto who couldn't miss from 6 yards out past the desperate dive attempt from the keeper.

Western United almost had an unbelievable equaliser in the 37th. Simmons made the mistake of trying to play out instead of clearing, he lost the ball to Neil Kilkenny, he lofted a cross to the back post that drifted toward goal on the breeze, beating everyone before clattering into the far post and just barely staying out of the net. Lacoix's replacement, Jacob Tratt, picked up the first yellow card of the game moments before half-time for a rough tackle on Ngbakoto.

Lachie Wales and Josh Risdon both entered the referees notebook early in the second half. Risdon then was lucky to remain on the pitch when he clattered into Brandon Borrello but was lucky that the ball continued with the Wanderers and so advantage was played. Oli Bozanic fired with venom from well outside the box, stinging the palms of Young who couldn't hold on and instead had to will the ball over the line for a corner.

With the match in the balance in the 74th minute, Marko Rudan played his trump cards, bringing on Ninkovic and Schneiderlin in a double switch for Bozanic and Simmons. Borrello thought he'd scored the vital 2nd for the Wanderers with 10 left, but after he'd wheeled away the flag went up as Romain Amalfitano was in an offside position while interfering with goalkeeper Jamie Young.

A ridiculous 9 minutes of stoppage time flashed up on the 4th officials board. Western United had a few chances down the right side, but couldn't get past Thomas or the Wanderers defence. As the 8th minute came up they won a free kick and from there a corner, where Ninkovic ended up with the ball and won a game ending free kick. It wasn't a pretty win, it wasn't a decisive win but it was a win none the less in brutal hot conditions, bringing the Red & Black back up to 2nd place on the A-League ladder leading into the 2nd Sydney Derby of the season with a now 4 game unbeaten run.

The Wanderers next game is against Sydney FC on Saturday February 11th in Parramatta with kick-off at 7:45pm.

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[StringerBellend]

I'm digging Yeni, he's really starting to play very well. 

[EmMac]

We just lack an out and out striker....

We've got the defence,

We've got the midfield

We are controlling the ball better than we have in years

The lads have football brains and awareness

Keep up the good work lads 

 

[pseudonym]

We got the three points

No serious injuries 

No suspensions via 5 yellow cards

Other teams around us dropped points

-‐-----

3pm kickoffs 

Bring on Thursday night football 

[WSWJACK]

Just back, damn Ninko is a good player, his presence alone drew defenders to him, creating space for Borello, Yeni and Bozanic.

yes 1-0 but felt comfortable, always a chance WU could sneak one but it seemed like a cakewalk, thought we bossed it well, and up to second place outright, nice one, kick back and enjoy some coldies in my backyard, life is sweet 

[HillsPanther]

I hated the fact that I was hoping other results went our way in recent weeks. Now that we are in 2nd and have little chance of catching $City, it is now in the team's hand to keep hold of 2nd until the finals.

[Legionista]

26 minutes ago, pseudonym said:

We got the three points

No serious injuries 

No suspensions via 5 yellow cards

Other teams around us dropped points

-‐-----

3pm kickoffs 

Bring on Thursday night football 

 

[WSWJACK]

3 minutes ago, HillsPanther said:

I hated the fact that I was hoping other results went our way in recent weeks. Now that we are in 2nd and have little chance of catching $City, it is now in the team's hand to keep hold of 2nd until the finals.

I confess I harbour aspirations of minor premiers, City are due a couple of slip ups, it's not over till Lisso sings !

[THEWANDERERSPOST]

That was a really important result and disciplined effort from the team.

Felt relatively comfortable for a majority of the match. We controlled larger portions, we just need someone clinical to finish our chances. Given the context we had 4 of our main starters on 4 yellow cards (1 away from a suspension), they did unbelievably well to stay disciplined and not do anything silly, costing them a spot in next weeks Sydney Derby.

Ngbakoto was fantastic today, his dribbling was phenomenal.

Nieuwenhof is the steal of the century, the bloke is genuinely unreal. He runs this midfield. He seems to be loving life at the club, should've seen his smile when we were singing the ESFC diss chant, he even joined in.

Borrelo, what a machine! Just doesn't stop running, reminds me a big of a winger version of Santalab. Unfortunate not to get his 5th of the season today!

I feel like one of our big weaknesses is the defending from our fullbacks, however both Traore and Cleur were a lot more improved in their defence today.

Marcelo and Mrcela, what can I say, these guys are the best centreback duo i've ever seen at the club. 

Good to see Carluccio finally back on the field! He did well considering its his first game back from injury!

While Ninkovic still looks a bit injured (limps when running), you can see he still oozes class, the way he draws players in to make space for his teammates is top notch. His ability to win fouls in pressure moments is great as well.

Not going to judge Schneiderlin from the small amount of minutes he played. First competitive match minutes for him this season, but he doesn't look fazed, seems pretty tidy from what I could see. Hopefully gets fully up to speed in a week or 2.

Now onto the big Sydney Derby at home! Lets beat those Smurfs!

 

[LetsPele]

1 hour ago, StringerBellend said:

I'm digging Yeni, he's really starting to play very well. 

He looks far more dangerous playing out wide than in the middle of the park

[Wanderboy]

Not going to rant and rave, but fmd, this team knows how to stress us all out.

We should have won by 4 or more today.

Absolutely delighted about the win, but until we can start converting the multitude of chances we create, we will continue to make matches hard for ourselves.

Anyhow, onwards and upwards. We are 2nd. We have our hated enemies next week at home. If we don't put those pretenders to the sword, I'll be disappointed. They are ****.

It is time to show the League we mean business. We have the squad to do so.

[LetsPele]

4 minutes ago, THEWANDERERSPOST said:

That was a really important result and disciplined effort from the team.

Felt relatively comfortable for a majority of the match. We controlled larger portions, we just need someone clinical to finish our chances. Given the context we had 4 of our main starters on 4 yellow cards (1 away from a suspension), they did unbelievably well to stay disciplined and not do anything silly, costing them a spot in next weeks Sydney Derby.

Ngbakoto was fantastic today, his dribbling was phenomenal.

Nieuwenhof is the steal of the century, the bloke is genuinely unreal. He runs this midfield. He seems to be loving life at the club, should've seen his smile when we were singing the ESFC diss chant, he even joined in.

Borrelo, what a machine! Just doesn't stop running, reminds me a big of a winger version of Santalab. Unfortunate not to get his 5th of the season today!

I feel like one of our big weaknesses is the defending from our fullbacks, however both Traore and Cleur were a lot more improved in their defence today.

Marcelo and Mrcela, what can I say, these guys are the best centreback duo i've ever seen at the club. 

Good to see Carluccio finally back on the field! He did well considering its his first game back from injury!

While Ninkovic still looks a bit injured (limps when running), you can see he still oozes class, the way he draws players in to make space for his teammates is top notch. His ability to win fouls in pressure moments is great as well.

Not going to judge Schneiderlin from the small amount of minutes he played. First competitive match minutes for him this season, but he doesn't look fazed, seems pretty tidy from what I could see. Hopefully gets fully up to speed in a week or 2.

Now onto the big Sydney Derby at home! Lets beat those Smurfs!

 

I liked what (little) I saw of Schneiderlin. He looks mobile, and has a turn of speed. He covered a fair bit of ground and looked comfortable doing so. 

[Sithslayer1991]

Well can say the boys loved it. We thought the young would give us trouble but he was clapping and enjoying it. My 3 yr old was good right up until the 70th minute hahaha. He wanted ice cream to be fair I also wanted some. Thank you for you suggestions we did spin the wheel. Took photo with the air jersey he wanted to see the player but the young one had enough. So finished the day Gong cha and Ice cream. 

Both had a fright when we scored hahhaa. They didnt expect how loud it would be

[GunnerWanderer]

Controlled display throughout and unfortunate not to win by more. 
 

We are definitely building nicely. 

Rudan laughed at the end of his presser if a striker was coming… 
Don’t know it’s out of my hands! 
 

sounds like negotiations may be holding things up… 

[Sithslayer1991]

About the game massive improvement and ball retention and chance creation. Granted the Fraudster are likely to surrender possesion to get on the counter. Thomas was suspect on crosses but because of the sun. He should of worn a hat.

So better in attack but its frustrating because we are missing a striker. Sound like a parrot but its true. Borello and Yeni are great but he they are not strikers. We should of had more, had Amalfitano ran away from goal instead of in the Keepers vision the 2nd goal would have stood.

Onto the derby praying Yengi is back for it

[GD07]

All Amalfitano had to do was stand still and we would have had that second goal to give us a bit of comfort. 🤦‍♂️

That finish from Traore in the first half was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Just stick to the crosses Adama. 

[WHACKO]

44 minutes ago, Sithslayer1991 said:

About the game massive improvement and ball retention and chance creation. Granted the Fraudster are likely to surrender possesion to get on the counter. Thomas was suspect on crosses but because of the sun. He should of worn a hat.

So better in attack but its frustrating because we are missing a striker. Sound like a parrot but its true. Borello and Yeni are great but he they are not strikers. We should of had more, had Amalfitano ran away from goal instead of in the Keepers vision the 2nd goal would have stood.

Onto the derby praying Yengi is back for it

Yengi is the new Tomi..also made of glass.

[sonar]

Marcelo and Mrcela will be on the RBTV defby preview on Weds evening.

[TwoLeftFoots]

Love borello work rate and determination.

Wish he'd release the ball a little sooner though.

[Sithslayer1991]

1 hour ago, GD07 said:

All Amalfitano had to do was stand still and we would have had that second goal to give us a bit of comfort. 🤦‍♂️

That finish from Traore in the first half was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Just stick to the crosses Adama. 

That is why he is a Left Back. True Defenders finish  

[GE942150]

3 hours ago, GunnerWanderer said:

Controlled display throughout and unfortunate not to win by more. 
 

We are definitely building nicely. 

Rudan laughed at the end of his presser if a striker was coming… 
Don’t know it’s out of my hands! 
 

sounds like negotiations may be holding things up… 

I wonder why it's out of his hands. Maybe waitng for the player to make a decision? Either way they definitely won't be available for this week.

[mack]

3 minutes ago, GE942150 said:

I wonder why it's out of his hands. Maybe waitng for the player to make a decision? Either way they definitely won't be available for this week.

We could be waiting on a player to sign the contract, or for negotiations between the player and the club leaders (since it's not the coach that makes the financial side of things happen), or that it would be a situation requiring the players club to agree to a loan or to a free transfer first.

[GE942150]

3 minutes ago, mack said:

We could be waiting on a player to sign the contract, or for negotiations between the player and the club leaders (since it's not the coach that makes the financial side of things happen), or that it would be a situation requiring the players club to agree to a loan or to a free transfer first.

Well, they have 2 days to get it done.

[GE942150]

43 minutes ago, mack said:

We could be waiting on a player to sign the contract, or for negotiations between the player and the club leaders (since it's not the coach that makes the financial side of things happen), or that it would be a situation requiring the players club to agree to a loan or to a free transfer first.

I went back and watched some of the pre game show. Tara was having a laugh with Daniel Wilmering about this new striker she keeps on hearing about, trying to get something out of him. He didn't give anything anyway. I think one is definitely coming, but Rudan just wants to play it down and keep it under wraps.

[WanderingToqui]

A striker of good pedigree ...  who might that be?

Which foreign striker might we get?

[StringerBellend]

16 minutes ago, WanderingToqui said:

A striker of good pedigree ...  who might that be?

Which foreign striker might we get?

Omar Niasse

[SNS100]

49 minutes ago, StringerBellend said:

Omar Niasse

Played with Schneiderlin at Everton?

[SBW]

Still lacking that cutting edge in front of goal, some of those we created early on would have been finished by a striker with good pedigree. I am just resigned that we are not going to get one before the end of the window. My guess is that whoever that Colombian striker we were meant to sign a couple of weeks back, the deal may have fallen through.

But enough about strikers, about the game, it was a win we deserved but those 3pm kick off on a hot day in summer should be farked off. Neither team were at their best, we couldn’t play an up tempo game and the players from both sides struggled in the heat. The recovery from playing in the heat takes a good couple of days as you need a day to re-hydrate. Whoever’s decision from the APL to play games at 3pm needs to get sacked. Since the World Cup break we’ve played in 4 Sunday 3pm KO games with 3 of them in extreme heat.

[BoyFromTheWest]

3pm is bad for fans - just an awful time of the day in summer.  It is hot for us, even in the shade, so can't imagine what it is like standing on the field, let alone running for 90 minutes.  Even Borello looked absolutely done - an extra 9 minutes was excruciating (not sure where the extra 15 minutes in the 2 halves actually came from?).

Enough of 3pm!!

[Sithslayer1991]

3pm should be banned from December-February. Its way to hot. 5:30pm should be the earliest kick off during the summer. APL can't say its for families because that is BS,  no one wants to go at 3pm in scorching heat in stadium with no cover. I am not sure how those that stayed in the lower tier put up with it. Majority went to the upper tier, even coppers were telling people to go up under the shade.