Wagga went in undermanned and endured a 3-1 loss to the Western Condors at Gissing Oval on Saturday.

The score was an improvement on the previous 9-0 loss to the Condors but this brought little solace to Wanderers coach Blaise Fagan, desperate for the team’s elusive first win.

“We’re having to throw youngsters in the deep end,” he said.

“Our squad of senior players isn’t big enough.

“Injuries and suspensions don’t help.”

Wagga’s midfield was left gaping as Carl Pideski served his first week of a two week suspension and Adrien Jolly has returned home to France for four weeks. 

“They’re both very competitive, and they both have a dynamic work rate, when you’re missing players like that you suffer,” Fagan said.

The Condors established an early lead and were ahead 2-0 by half time.

Wagga lifted the intensity in the second half and emerged as a threat, with Jonathan Mathers and Sam Manglesdorf working hard to maintain the pace.

Injured player Justin Curran will be out indefinitely.

“He’s had a rough trot, he’s one of those imperative players who’s sadly missed,” Fagan said. 

Wagga’s troubles date back to recruitment according to Fagan.

A suite of strong local players opted to devote themselves to the Football Wagga competition rather than play in the state league.

“We didn’t have a large enough talent pool to choose from,” Fagan said.

“I don’t understand why more seniors weren’t interested considering we have dual registrations they can play for their clubs as well.”

Meantime the Wanderers will work to rectify basic, yet crucial mistakes from set plays.

“Our corners and free kicks aren’t very good, sometimes we’re just making poor choices.”