Wanderers sitting in third
The Deniliquin Wanderers’ eagerness to get back on the field showed when they took on Yoogali 1.2 at Deniliquin Rotary Park on Saturday.
Playing for the first time in almost a month — due to byes and border restriction impacts — the Deni squad rallied in round 12 of the Griffith District Football Association AAM league for a convincing 5-1 win.
Given the time off, coach Josh Perizzolo said they went in to the match on Saturday unsure of their chances.
But he said he was happy with the pressure and performance the team displayed.
‘‘The field was pretty wet but we were fortunate enough to get on for the first time in a month,’’ he said.
‘‘We had almost a full strength side, however we were pretty uncertain as to how we would go, considering we haven’t been training outdoors due to the poor drainage at Rotary Park.
‘‘But we ended up having a good win.’’
Making the most of Yoogali’s lack of defence from the start, the Wanderers set out getting points on the board.
‘‘We put pressure on early and capitalised with two early goals to myself and Bruce Maunganidze,’’ Perizzolo said.
‘‘An unfortunate challenge from Kyle Mula gave away a penalty but James Weir stood up to the task with a strong prediction to make a diving save to his left to deny Yoogali.
‘‘A deflection brought the opposition one back, but a late second goal to myself put us two up at the break.’’
Expecting Yoogali to come back fighting in the second half, the Wanderers maintained momentum.
‘‘In the first half Yoogali defended poorly, rushing in to give us plenty of space,’’ Perizzolo said.
‘‘At half time I knew they would tighten things up a bit to make it more difficult for us.
‘‘They didn’t threaten us too much moving forward though.
‘‘They became frustrated, which led to a bit more physicality in the second half after we went 4-1 up from a Mark Plant long range strike from a quick free kick.
‘‘Jesse Hart pressured well to put in a fifth, to open his Wanderers’ account and being the youngest player to score for us in the new era.’’
James Weir was named player’s player after stepping up yet again in goals.
Aaron Piercy was also commended, stepping up as referee and after the appointed umpire fell ill.
Saturday’s win puts Deni third on the competition ladder.