Wollongong Wolves secure point in draw with Sydney FC

The Wolves claimed a point after a 1-1 draw in what was a free-flowing, attacking match at WIN Stadium.

However, Wollongong entered the match hoping to secure three points against the team sitting at the bottom of the NPL table and start a rise up the ladder.

“We were after the win, which we weren't able to come away with,” Timpano said. “It was a game that was very open, end to end and could have gone either way. It would have been nice to get the three points, but in the end we had to settle for the draw and aim towards next weekend.”

With Sydney FC attempting to attack from anywhere on the field, the Wolves defenders were forced to stay alert for the entire 90 minutes and Timpano was overall pleased with the way they responded to Sydney FC’s attacking raids.

“We controlled the game pretty well, Sydney FC do it to most opponents. They use their speed and mobility and can hurt you on the counter attack. It was good they only got one goal, but would have been nice if we were more dominant in front of goal.

“The boys at the back defended quite well, Justin [Pasfield] was fairly strong in goal. They’re a team that hits you quick and fast and it can be difficult to deal with, but I thought we dealt with it as well as we could have.”

Timpano lamented his side’s inability to convert in front of goal, with the lone goal a Peter Simonoski penalty, however he is looking forward to the return of striker Yuzo Tashiro.

“Our struggles in front of goal have been a factor for most of the season. We missed Yuzo Tashiro up front, that would have been a game he would’ve been able to dominate. He’ll be back on deck next week and hopefully he’ll add to our attack.” 

The clash with Sutherland on Sunday afternoon provides the Wolves with a chance to reverse what Timpano labels a very disappointing early-season result, a 3-0 defeat in round four. 

“Sutherland was one of our worst performances of the year,” Timpano said. “But we’re at home and our home form has been strong. We make it difficult for opponents to beat us at home and have only lost one game at home.

“As tight as the competition is, we’re in ninth but still only four points from fourth spot. The competition is going to go down to the wire and we’re hopeful we can hit top form and pick up some results at the back end of the season.”