Simonoski delivers as Wollongong Wolves claim vital NPL victory over Hakoah Sydney City East

After Nick Montgomery’s 92^nd minute goal against Sutherland last week, it was Simonoski who provided the match-winner on Saturday night, a 90^th minute goal that sent the Wolves fans into raptures.

Wolves coach Jacob Timpano doesn’t want to see his side making a habit of victories at the death, but he was pleased to see the team make it two-in-a-row after a difficult month.

“We left it late again,” Timpano said. “It was similar to last weekend, we went a goal behind in the second half, but the boys showed character to come back and snatch a late winner, which we deserved in the end. 

“The win shows the belief within the squad and the ability of the players to not give up. Especially at home with the home crowd behind us, we always aim to finish strong. To do it two weeks in a row, it’s a huge boost for the remainder of the season and it shows we’ve got a bit of fight in us.”

The Wolves controlled much of the first half but were unable to capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal. Hakoah then opened the scoring in the 60^th minute thanks to a long range goal to Anthony Frangie.

Timpano turned to his bench moments later, inserting Japanese recruit Takuya Nozawa into the fray and from there, the match flipped. Nozawa and fellow import Yuzo Tashiro, who came off the bench ten minutes earlier, took control of the game and steered the Wolves to victory. 

After a number of close chances, Nozawa delivered the final pass to Simonoski for the equaliser. It was Tashiro who then set up the winner, making a surging run before hitting Simonoski who found the back of the net. 

“The first half we probably dominated, we could’ve gone an early goal up, but then we let Hakoah back into the game a little bit. A little similar to last week, we controlled the tempo of the game, but went a goal behind after switching off for a moment. 

“I brought Takuya and Yuzo on for the last half hour and they changed the match. They set up the two goals and made an impact off the bench. Takuya hit the post with a free kick, then set up the first goal. He gave us a different threat going forward. And Yuzo laid on the winner, they were both very good off the bench.”

With the Wolves starting to find the back of the net, Timpano knows his side must cut out the lapses in concentration that have nearly cost the team in the past two weeks if they are to continue a run to the finals. 

“We’ve scored four goals in two weeks now, it’s the best little run all season, so we’re happy with that. We have to make sure that we’re not giving away sloppy goals, which we have done the last couple of weeks. If we can avoid that, we’re starting to find more form in front of goal, hopefully the wheels are starting to turn.”