The red-hot Wollongong Wolves continue to set the pace in the NSW National Premier League after recording an entertaining 4-3 win over Sydney FC at Lambert Park on Saturday night.
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Thomas James incredible scoring run continued as former Western Sydney Wanderers striker Lachlan Scott bagged his first of the season to keep Wollongong unbeaten after four rounds.
James scored a double while Nick Littler also got on the scoresheet as the Wolves withstood a late fightback to beat the Sky Blues.
It ensures they remain top of the league by one point.
Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire was pleased to see his squad continue their great start.
"It is easy for players to rest on your laurels when you start the season well, but the way we came out showed that wasn't the case," he said.
"The boys know they have to do that because if they don't, there are players waiting for the chance to do it.
"We have a lot of quality players that haven't even had the chance to show what they can do yet."
It took just 18 minutes for Wollongong to hit the front when Scott scored with a deft flick.
Eight minutes later the Wolves had their second as Nick Littler latched on to Takeru Okada's cross and tapped it in at the box post.
Wollongong were in the box seat when James scored his sixth of the season with an expertly taken finish in the 30th minute.
Jordan Swibel gave the Sky Blues a lifeline five minutes before the break.
When James scored his second of the night in the 59th minute it restored the Wolves comfortable three goal cushion.
Giuseppe Tilio and Jerry Skodatis scored in the final 15 minutes but Sydney couldn't muster a fourth.
"I think we started well," Wilkshire said.
"We spoke before the game about them being young and talented.
"We got 3-0 up and should have scored a fourth, fifth or sixth but switched off a bit.
"The second half we came out and dominated and conceded a couple of goals, but I don't think that score was a true reflection of the game."
Wilkshire was disappointed the Wolves leaked a pair of late goals to the Sky Blues.
"You don't want to concede three goals," he said.
"They were sloppy goals and as a former player I understand that you can get comfortable when you're three goals in front. We can't do that.
"It was a good lesson for us without truly been too costly."
Sydney FC's Jimmy Van Weeren was pleased with the fightback his squad showed.
"It probably says something about the playing group, and fair play to the boys for turning it around at the end," he told Football NSW.
"They did a good job for young boys.
"It was a bit tough at halftime because they've got the quality to punish a few mistakes, and they punished us.
"We thought we had some good chances too, so we're just trying to keep it positive.
"We learn every week, and we try to get better every week."