Warilla Wanderers returned to King Mickey park on Saturday to take on Thirroul Thunder FC, continuing their winning streak. Warilla maintained second position on the table following the game, with Thirroul hanging onto fourth place. The hard fought game could’ve gone either way, with Thirroul fighting for a win, but it was the Wanderers who won a thrilling game 3-2.

The game started off strong, with three goals in the first ten minutes.

It was Thirroul who scored the first goal, coming in strong with a low shot taken from just inside the box in the 5^th minute of the game, by Adam Ward. After receiving the ball on the right hand side of the box, he took a low strike that bulged the net to the right of the keeper.

Only two minutes later, the Wanderers set out to equalise. After taking the ball down the left shoulder, Chad Keating crossed the ball to Bojan Caric who easily beat Thirroul keeper Joshua Williams from close range.

Just a minute later, Warilla were given a corner. Keating lobbied the ball towards the goal and Ryan Hunter rose above the pack to head in the go ahead goal for the Wanderers. 

Not even ten minutes in, and the scoreboard read 2-1 to the home team Warilla Wanderers.

It seemed that Warilla were more dominant with their plays, with strong attack heating up the first 15 minutes of the game. Thirroul were given chances at goal but Warilla’s goalkeeper Bradley Hunter pulled off some fine saves to thwart the Thunder offence.

Warilla seemed to have slowed the game down since they scored the second goal to try and get control.

It wasn't until the 42^nd minute when the Wanderers were presented with another chance. Javier Ovando's strike was well saved by Thirroul's custodian Josh Williams.

At half time the scoreboard read 2-1 to the Wanderers.

The Wanderers dominated the first part of the second half although Thirroul probably had the best chances early in the second period as they squandering two one on ones.

In the 64^th minute, Thirroul’s Liam Forsythe haf a golden opportunity to level the scores aa took the ball down the field in a solo effort and with the keeper off his line, he managed to lob it over the post.

Five minutes later, Thirroul were on level terms when Matthew Kellond blasted home from just inside the penalty area much to the delight of the travelling fans. 

With just 8 minutes left, Thirroul’s Luke Mittwollen thought he got he winner – but it ruled out due to an offside infringement.

The game then took a dramatic twist as Warilla went up the other end just a couple of minutes later and scored the go ahead goal which ultimately proved to be the winner. Warilla’s Stewart Robertson took the ball down the right corridor and lobbied it towards the goal. It looked like it was going wide however Adrian Montalbano threw himself at the ball with a diving header to snatch the three points.

The win keeps Warilla in second and hot on the heels of runaway leaders Corrimal as they face  Berkeley Sports nexxt week. For Thirroul, they face the improved University FC in the next round.

 

Saturday 18^th June, King Mickey Park.

Report: Lauren Ferri (@lauren_ferri)

 

Warilla Wanderers: Bradley Hunter, Nicholas Del Turco, Ryan Hunter (8”), John Hagenaar, Jason Goldsmith, Luke Everingham, Adam White, Chad Keating, Bojan Caric (7”), Javier Ovando, Martin Castelli.

Replacements: Toni Anastovski, Stewart Robertson, Adrian Montalbano (84”), Jacob Pickles, Ken Nguyen.

 

Thirroul Thunder FC: Joshua Williams, Daniel Bond, Liam Forsythe, Tyler Snelgrove, Adam Ward (5”), Rhys Patchett, Ryan Latini, Todd Davidson, Corey Haines-Grose, Matthew Kellond (69”), Daniel Arthur.

Replacements: Luke Mittwollen, Ryan Hunter, Joshua Bond, James Townson, Tom Goodier, Jayden Lewis.

Photo:Pedro Garcia (Library Archive)