Wagga City Wanderers improve despite suffering loss

Coach David Leonard rued a couple of missed opportunities late in their attempt to force a draw at Gissing Oval.

However he was pleased with his side's performance in the 3-2 loss to one of the competition heavyweights.

"It was a really good game," Leonard said.

"From a coaching perspective it is always strange to be really happy with how the boys played when you lose but you have to put everything into perspective - they are sitting on top of the ladder, they are one of the NP2 chances to be promoted this year and our boys really stuck it to them.

"In the end we were probably a little unlucky we didn't get something out of it as in the end we probably deserved it and created enough chances to at least get a draw.

"Realistically the guys are just starting to find their feet and as we head into the second round our goal is to really put it to the teams who gave us a touch up in the first round.

"We tick the box with that one."

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ANU opened the scoring before the Wanderers levelled things up.

It was the first of a brace for Luke Stevens.

ANU took a 2-1 lead into half-time and extended their advantage before Stevens struck again with around 15 minutes to go.

The Wanderers had plenty of late chances as Jake Ploenges struck the woodwork before winger Nashwan Sulimain failed to capitalise on a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper.

Despite falling short, Leonard thought the side showed plenty of improvement from the 4-1 loss to their rivals at the start of the season.

However there are doubts over the fitness of defender Logan Flanagan after he picked up another injury concern.

"He's not been 100 per cent and there's always been something with him this year unfortunately," Leonard said.

"He's super solid at left full-back but has not had the best of runs so far this season.

"It's another one we have to monitor and see if further scans need to be made or if he just rests up to recover from it."

Leonard is hopeful it isn't too serious with a clash against Yoogali in a rematch of last year's grand final on Sunday.

Yoogali scored a 5-0 win earlier this season and Leonard is looking to show just how much the side has improved on the road.

"They gave us a bit of a touch up last time so there's a bit of a point to prove," he said.

"It is over there so it will be tough.

"It is the hard yards over there but the way the boys have been playing in the last month with those two wins before going down to O'Connor 3-1, who are sitting basically equal but have the difference on goal average to ANU, and then the 3-2 shows the boys are heading in the right direction.

"We are super keen to head across there and prove a point."