Wolves Snatch It Late In Wollongong

NPL NSW Men's | Round 11

We regrettably came away from Macedonia Park on Sunday afternoon empty-handed after Wollongong Wolves completed a second-half comeback to win 2-1, with Lachlan Scott's header seven minutes from time proving the decisive blow.

It was a game we were well placed to take something from, and the manner of the defeat will sting.

Danny Choi battling with Lachlan Scott

We got off to the perfect start. Tye McGowan's pace caused problems from the first whistle, and when he was brought down inside the area in the sixth minute, Nick Olsen stepped up and stroked the penalty straight down the middle. A cool finish from a player who knew exactly what it meant, returning to face his former club.

Wollongong steadied and grew into the half, and it was Olsen's victim from the spot, Banri Kanaizumi, who made amends in the 16th minute, rising to power a header from a cross on the left into the back of the net. The goal levelled things up and handed the momentum back to the home side. The half ended 1-1, tight and competitive throughout.

We absorbed an early blow in the 32nd minute when Danny Choi was forced off with what appeared to be a strain, replaced by Richard Shoueiki. It's a moment worth watching closely through the week.

The second half was physical and end-to-end, with both sides creating openings without finding the breakthrough. The Wolves had a moment of fortune when Dylan Ryan struck the woodwork during a chaotic passage of play, though the move was flagged offside.

Tariq Maia passing Marcus Beattie

Then came the moment that settled it. Substitute Lucas Trajcevski delivered from the left in the 83rd minute, and Scott met it with a clean header to put Wollongong ahead for the first time. We responded almost immediately, Olsen driving into the area and forcing Daniel Solsky into an outstanding save around the post. The keeper earned his keep.

We pushed for the equaliser in the final minutes but Wollongong held firm. A hard one to take on the road.

Nick Olsen was our standout on the day, earning his penalty, converting coolly, and going closest to snatching a point late.

Our focus now shifts to Friday night’s game against Sydney FC at Ilinden Sports.