Wolves coach Jacob Timpano called Saturday’s win over Manly United his team’s ‘most important’ this season and it’s hard to argue otherwise.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wollongong came from a goal down at half time to triumph 2-1 and snatch three valuable points at Cromer Park.
It allowed the Wolves to jump United on the ladder into sixth spot and gave the finals aspirations a much-needed boost in the process.
“They billed it as their most important game of the season and I told our boys it was just as important for us,” Timpano said.
“If they won they would have been five points ahead of us but instead we have leapfrogged us.
“Away from home on a synthetic pitch which doesn’t really suit us, at this stage you would have to say it is our most important win of the season.”
The Wolves had to show all of their fighting qualities to prevail away from home.
A cheap turnover at the back allowed Dejan Pandurevic to pounce and give United the advantage in the 24th minute.
They could have doubled their advantage before the break had it not been for Wolves keeper Justin Pasfield and some clumsy finishing.
Timpano changed his formation at the break and it proved to be the right decision.
James Markovic levelled the score for the visitors with a superb strike from 25 yards in the 57 minute.
Eleven minutes later the lead was Wollongong’s.
Josh MacDonald was well found by Yuzo Tashiro and race towards goal before finishing at the near post.
Manly pushed for an equaliser over the final 15 minutes, but Wollongong held firm to take home a vital come-from-behind victory.
“To come from behind away from home against a very good side shows a lot about the team’s character,” Timpano said.
“That sort of character is what we are all about.”
Timpano admitted the decision to make a half time adjust proved to be pivotal on the night.
“Manly probably dominated the first half so we had to change our system at half time a little bit and they played a 3-4-3 which caused us some problems that we weren’t used to,” he said.
“We changed our formation to match what they were throwing at us.
“In the second half we dominated and got the goals they we needed.
“In the end it was a deserved victory.”
Wollongong are now two points behind both Rockdale City Suns and Sydney Olympic, but both clubs still have to play their round 14 matches.
