Loss for Wanderers to start title defence

Two goals in the opening 25 minutes gave O'Connor Knights SC the advantage at Gissing Oval on Saturday and the young Wanderers could make any inroads.

After losing plenty of experience from their side over the off-season, and with the Knights strengthening their outfit, new coach David Leonard expected a bigger challenge this season.

While disappointed not to come away with any points at home, Leonard believes there were some positives to take from the 2-0 loss.

"We started a little bit slow before building into the game," Leonard said.

"Both teams had opportunities and it was always going to be a tight contest against those guys, who are probably going to be in the top three or four this year.

"There are two sides to look at it - we're really disappointing we couldn't get the points at home but we've got to look at the quality we're playing too.

"All NPL Two clubs have recruited really well while we're still relying on the youth and their talent.

"We've still got high expectations, we still expect to play finals and will be disappointed if that's not the case.

"It's something we can build on and learn from."

READ MORE

Wanderers needed to reshuffle their backline with Ben Mavor (hamstring) and Kyle Yeates (unavailable) not taking their place in the side.

Leonard admitted the Wanderers let in two soft goals early, but he was pleased with how the makeshift back line responded over the next hour.

"There were a few errors from us and it took us a bit too long to get into the game," he said. "Then it was a see-sawing contest.

"It was a tough situation to be in with a couple of our back line out and even though we let those couple of early goals in I was really pleased with how the back line was able to get better and better over the next 70 minutes of footy."

However hopes of a fightback also weren't helped by the loss of Jake Ploenges.

Ploenges is one of the new faces at the club this season and looked dangerous on the left edge before succumbing to a calf complaint.

"He's a big loss for us as he gives us a lot of potency out wide," Leonard said. "He gives us a lot of run forward with his pace and he likes to cut in and if not provides some whipped in balls."

Leonard expects another tough test when the side travels to take on ANU next week.

It is part of a tough opening month for the premiers.