WAGGA City Wanderers got their new era under coach Michael Babic off to the best possible start with victory over defending premiers ANU on Saturday.
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The Wanderers showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in the NPL 2 competition this year, coming from behind to down ANU 3-2 at Gissing Oval.
The Wanderers had seen some significant change in personnel over the off-season and the new-look team past their first test on Saturday.
Wagga City found themselves down on the scoreboard twice in the contest but fought their way back to post an impressive victory.
Young gun Luke Stevens equalised in the first half before two second half goals to experienced recruits Carl Pideski and Matt Menser guided the Wanderers to victory.
Babic was thrilled to start the season with a victory over the competition favourites.
"They came here as the favourites to win the comp and they've had a really outstanding five seasons, they've won it four out of the last five times and they've been a very highly-rated opponent," Babic explained.
"We had a game plan and managed to stick to it and the things that we talked about and worked on we were able to bring to life.
"The game plan was always to make sure we were in the game at the 70 minute mark and we knew if we were, we could win it. And sure enough we got two late goals to bring it home.
"The young guys, we've got guys who have come up from 18s, they laid the foundations and the old guys brought it home. That's what we were hoping for."
With a number of changes to the line-up from last season, the Wanderers were always of the belief that they will get better with time.
Babic said a win over ANU first-up does wonders for the squad's confidence.
"I think it gives us belief. We were able to bring to life the things that we've been working on in training and when you do the work at training and then you see it come to life on the field, the players start to understand and believe in what we're doing," he said.
"When they see it working, it gives us great confidence going forward that if we can continue to do that, we can get success. To knock off the number one team, in the way that we trained and discussed and worked on, shows that our processes are heading in the right direction for the future games."
Babic said holding midfielders Ano Matowe and Isaac Brooker were 'phenomenal' in the win, while Stevens and Dylan Berkrey were others to shine.
Wanderers will now meet Western Molonglo at home next Saturday, who are coming off a 2-0 win over Narrabundah.
"I think this league this year is going to be tough," Babic said.
"I think every game is going to be competitive. That's what you want. You know you've got to turn up every week and perform well.
"Next week is going to be a critical game. If we want to crack the top four, these are the types of games we need to be winning. I see it as a six-point game."
The Wanderers' under 23s went down 3-2.
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