Wollongong show their credentials

STATE PREMIER LEAGUE

WOLLONGONG FC displayed their NSW Premier League credentials with a 3-nil win over Bankstown at Crehan Park on Sunday.

The hosts opened the scoring after 13 minutes when Osagie Ederaro headed home a pin-point cross from Michael West.

Bankstown had a chance to equalize in the 32nd minute but James Monie’s from the right edge of the area grazed the post.

Wollongong scored their second goal in the 43rd minute when Ederaro and Illja Prenzoski set up Matt Bailey, who side-footed the ball into the back of the net.

They could have made it 3-nil moments later but Prenzoski’s one-on-one duel with the Bankstoiwn keeper was unsuccessful.

Bankstown dominated the opening stages of the second half but Olympic hopeful Justin Pasfield proved unbeatable in goal.

The Wolves iced the match when Adam Hawrysuik found Ederaro on the counter, who in turn crossed to Bailey, who made no mistake with the finish.

Wollongong have won three matches in a row.

Coach John Turner praised his team’s performance.

“We are definite contenders and I stand on my pre-season statement that we will finish not only in the top four but finish top two,” he said.

Turner praised the efforts of his double goalscorer Matthew Bailey, who was signed from the Illawarra Premier League (IPL).

Danial Cummins, Pasfield, skipper Ben Blake and Bailey were named to the Premier League team of the week.