Rotary Park shootout

Wanderers playing-coach Josh Perizzolo said that while it was good to get the win, the side was ‘‘far from our best’’ on their home deck.

‘‘Conditions weren’t great, but the main issue was that we didn’t defend well,’’ he said.

‘‘Early in the second half we kind of lost the plot positionally, which let them back in the game.

‘‘We also got a bit complacent in the end, so we need to work on closing out games.’’

In a frantic first minute YSC managed to work the ball forward quickly to hit the scoreboard early for a 1-nil lead.

The Wanderers fired back instantly, with Matt Crothers going forward for a rare goal to level the scores a minute later.

After a heated couple of minutes, the home side was awarded a free just outside the box.

English import Ben Cooper fired the free into the box with the ball deflecting off a YSC defender into the back of the net to hand his side the lead.

Bailey Hart joined the scorers’ list soon after, scoring after an impressive cross, before Perizzolo made the score 4-1 with a long lob at goal just sneaking over the goalkeeper’s head.

The Wanderers looked to be in control with goalkeeper Jeremy Busby making some crucial saves throughout the first half to keep their three goal margin.

The visitors made a late charge after defender experienced Mark Plant missed the ball, to see the YSC striker in a strong attacking position and smashing the ball in for a goal.

While the score was 4-2 in favour of the home side, it was YSC who had all the momentum heading into half time.

‘‘We had a few different combinations out there during the second half and we took a little while to adjust,’’ Perizzolo said.

‘‘So far this year we’ve generally scored good goals from good play but have let a few cheap ones through.

‘‘Barring a goal from a free kick that was an absolute ripping goal that nobody could have saved, that was the case again on Sunday.

‘‘When the ball bounces in the box six yards out and ends up being a goal that’s not ideal, so we need to work on minimising these cheap goals.’’

YSC capitalised on their opportunities early in the second half, with a corner kick somehow being misjudged by the Wanderers’ defenders and allowing their opponents to find the back of the net.

Scores were levelled soon after with YSC nailing what was an unbeatable shot at goal from a free kick outside the box, with the ball ending up in the soccer net’s supporting brackets.

After a few minutes passed, the Wanderers wrestled momentum back in what was the highlight of the day.

Bailey Hart worked his way forward, getting around a YSC defender before crossing the ball perfectly to his brother Ashley to hand him his first goal for the Wanderers and a 5-4 lead.

‘‘That was probably our most celebrated goal of the season,’’ Perizzolo said.

‘‘Ash hasn’t played a lot of minutes this year so to see him hit the scoreboard was great.

‘‘It was pretty special that it was his brother who set it up for him too; everyone was absolutely stoked.

‘‘It also gives us hope that there will be other younger players who see something like that happening and decide to join the Wanderers.’’

Bailey continued his surge soon after his brother, with an outstanding solo run leading to his second goal for the match.

Perizzolo followed suit to add his second soon after to see his side in control with a 7-4 lead.

However, just when they thought they had the win wrapped up the visitors challenged late, nailing a penalty and working their way forward for another goal to bring the margin to 7-6 with just under five minutes left.

The Wanderers played smart football for the remainder of the game, defending well and taking the remaining minutes off the clock to hold on for their sixth win of the season.