By Stephanie Muir

WAGGA Football under 18s invitational squad is eagerly awaiting their chance for redemption against Woden Valley development squad.

Woden pulled out a stunning upset victory over Wagga on Saturday at Gissing Oval, ending the city's chances of a home-ground win.

The heat wreaked havoc on the game, with both teams falling victim to the extreme weather conditions.

Scorching temperatures lead to the decision that the game be played in 30-minute thirds.

Wagga coach Ron Anschuetz always expected the game to be a tough fight for his talented contingent of players.

"The Woden Valley team was a strong outfit having only just played against the Central Coast Mariners under 19s team," Anschuetz told The Daily Advertiser.

"Wagga were without a few of their stars such as Cam Farey who was injured, and Alex Rudd, who scored the winning goal in the first-grade grand final, because of work commitments."

The game began well for the Wagga team, but players could not capitalise on prime field position and early shots at goal fell short.

Wagga star Bai Fahnbulleh was cleverly set up with a through ball by teammate Bruno Lucas in the opening stages of the game.

The Woden goalkeeper kept his cool in the one-on-one situation and was able to make a miraculous save.

Moments later, Fahnbulleh was taken down in the penalty box which earned the Wagga team a penalty, which was athletically saved by the Woden goalkeeper.

Wagga's third chance to put the ball in the net came from a neat chip shot from Chris McKenzie, but a great save by the in-form Woden goalkeeper put an end to any celebrations.

"At the end of the first third the score was nil-all with the Wagga team having the better of play," Anschuetz said.

"In the second third the Woden team came out firing and a five-minute lapse of concentration by the Wagga defence proved costly."

Two quick goals in the opening minutes of the second term put Woden in control of the game.