July 22, 2024
2024 NPL MENS 1 ROUND 25
WOLLONGONG WOLVES v ST. GEORGE F.C.
WOLVES TAKE DOWN DESPERATE SAINTS IN BUTLER BATTLE
The Wollongong Wolves in a hard-fought victory, defeated St George FC with a solitary goal achieved by Sebastian Hernandez in the first half. With St George dropping close to the relegation zone, a win was imperative. However, on a bumpy Albert Butler pitch, the Wolves reigned supreme with the defence of Darcy Madden, Banri Kanaizumi, Harrison Buesnell and Dylan Ryan, along with superb goalkeeping by Vedran Janjetovic kept the St George attack at bay, keeping scoring opportunities for the away side to a minimum. The Wolves on the other hand, had several close vicinity goal chances enacted by Lachlan Scott and Yagoub Mustafa, which were snuffed out by goalkeeper, St. George’s Mackenzie Syron.
St. George kicked off proceedings with the Wolves running northwards. St. George wasted little in getting the ball forward only for Madden to intervene and then clear. The Wolves at the other end saw Ryan, from a Mustafa pass, lifting the ball over the crossbar. Three minutes in, Hernandez, after a recent trial with Brisbane Roar. won a corner kick after being set loose by Mustafa. Subsequently, Chris McStay’s corner kick was met by Mustafa, with his low effort being taken by Syron. Buesnell took the safety-first measure by putting ball into touch as Chan Yelchan applied pressure.
Later, St. George pushed the ball across the face of goal with nary a touch to behold. It was dangerous situation that went begging for the opposition.
The deadlock was broken in the thirteenth minute when Hernandez steamed forward from the right. As he shaped to shoot he was scuttled by Jayden Seeto but managed to propel the ball with enough force to lodge into the goal. It was a vital goal for the home side in their quest for the semi- finals. McStay played an integral part prior. This was the striker’s fifth goal of the campaign and is becoming an important member of the team.
A free kick wide on the right saw Jaden Casella providing a low kick into the Wolves’ defensive wall before a follow-up effort was taken by Janjetovic. Another free kick minutes later was headed away by McStay as he assisted the defence.
Jake Trew produced two shots on target a few minutes apart. The first was turned away for a corner kick and the second went straight to the custodian. The striker was looking to regain his scoring form of four goals in three matches in Rounds 18-20.
A Ryan shot from distance failed to bring up the desired outcome as it flew high.
Janjetovic kept his domain intact when a low shot came in and a Casella free kick from right emanated. In the minutes before half time as St George attempted to reduce the arrears.
Just prior to the break, Scott, from a Hernandez cross, attempted to push the ball in, but was blocked by Syron and a defender in tandem.
It was a score of 1-0, to the home sides’ advantage at the break. Long balls were the order of the day as the pitch conditions made in it somewhat difficult to play precise passing football.
The away team was quick off the blocks in the second half as they needed an early goal to get back in the equation for a victory. Ryan interceded when Yelchan looked to cause trouble. A double substitution took place at half time as St. George brought on fresh legs, but try as they might, the St. George outfit could not unduly trouble the Wolves defensive unit.
However, the Wolves needed a second goal to provide a bit of a cushion as St. George were relentless, as teams near the bottom of the rung have much to play for. A Buesnell header from a McStay free kick flashed narrowly over the bar. A McStay timely interception put the Wolves into attack again with substitute Takumi Ofuka providing a cross that did not bring any ultimate joy.
Samuel Riak attempted to poke the ball home in the eighty-third minute but alas, his effort was unfortunately wide of the mark. Mustafa was denied once again with a good effort with Syron equal to the task.
A sterling defensive effort kept a clean sheet for the Wolves with attacks from both teams coming thick and fast as long balls kept everyone one on their toes. The Wolves had many more scoring opportunities but had only one goal to show for this enterprise. St. George had only a few chances but did not really threaten the Wolves’ domain. The Wolves keep their position in the top six but need to keep winning to make a spot a sure thing, while in the last five matches, St. George need to garner a few wins to ease themselves out of trouble. On the points table as it stands after Round 25, The Wolves sit in sixth position, one point above the seventh placed team, while St. George FC occupies thirteenth place, one point above the bottom three teams.
Goal scorer Sebastian Hernandez – ‘We got the win, and it helps as we try to get to the finals. As I scored, the defender got me. I am serious about my football and want to go as far as I can.’
Right defender, Darcy Madden – ‘They were desperate, and we had to work hard to get the win. It sets us up for getting to the finals. We did not play our best football on this pitch, but it was enough to win.’
WOLLONGONG WOLVES …………1
Sebastian Hernandez 13’
ST GEORGE F.C.…….…………… 0
@ Albert Butler Memorial Park, Primbee.
SUNDAY 21st JULY
3.00 p.m. kick off.
WOLLONGONG WOLVES
Coach: David Carney
- Vedran Janjetovic (GK), 2. Harrison Buesnell, 3. Darcy Madden 4. Dylan Ryan, 5. Banri Kanaizumi, 6. Samuel Riak 9. Jake Trew (7. Takumi Ofuka 58’10. Yagoub Mustafa 11. Sebastien Hernandez (25. Alex Masciovecchio 85’’), 24. Lachlan Scott (Capt.), 88. Christopher McStay.
Substitutes Not Used:, 13. Oliver Yates, 15. Dax Kelly, 29. Ben Gibson.
Yellow Cards: Dylan Ryan 14’ Darcy Madden 81
Red Cards: nil
ST GEORGE
Coach: Steve Karavatakis
- Mackenzie Syron, 3. Troy Danaskos (Capt.), 5. Nicholas Kalogerou, 6. Pat O’Shea, 8. Connor Quilligan, 17. Thomas Brown (11. Anthony Morabito,46), 18. Mark Rodic, 23. Evangelo Souris (16. Sebastian Cerecedo 46’), 27. Jayden Seeto, 33. Jaden Casella (22. Aeden O’Shea 86’) 38. Chan Yelcan (37. Jakov Malbasa 86’).
Substitutes not used: 20. Daniel Axford, RGK, 10. Harry Jones,
Yellow Cards: Mark Rodic 85’
Red Cards: nil
Referee: Jake Rose
Assistant Referees: Ethan Zvargulis and Arinath Gobinath
Fourth Official: Matt Staples
By Malcolm Rowney
