A 4-2 defeat to South Coast Flame on Saturday afternoon failed to dampen Wagga City Wanderers coach Ross Morgan’s spirits after a much-improved showing from his young side.
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Despite missing winger Daniel Okot, the Wanderers were competitive against ninth-placed South Coast at Gissing Oval and held the Flame to a 2-all deadlock at halftime before late goals blew the scoreline out.
“We put in a really solid performance for the full 90 minutes out there,” Morgan said.
“It was a really open game and both teams had plenty of chances to win it, but it was definitely one of our better attacking performances out there.”
Tyler Allen was impressive for the hosts, converting a Damion Pattison cross to equalise after South Coast’s early strike, while goal-scorer Stuart Smeeth and key forward Sam Jones produced quality showings on their home track.
“Stuart’s goal just before halftime was terrific, a great lob over the keeper’s head from outside the 18-yard box, and Sammy had a great game up front,” Morgan said.
“In the end, we only trailed by one goal until the last kick of the game and that’s because we pushed everyone forward to find that equaliser.”
Morgan admitted his side were now in a developmental stage as the Wanderers look to improve their standing next season.
“We know it’s too late to achieve anything major this year but we’re definitely working towards next season,” he said.
In other games, Jacob Ochieng and Matthew Moffat scored goals for the under 18 Wanderers in a 2-all draw with the under 18 Flame while the under 20 Wanderers fell 4-1 to their South Coast counterparts.