In the FFA Cup, Lindfield FC took on the Wollongong Wolves who are an inform NPL Div 1 side. Wollongong were too good for Lindfield in the end, winning 2:0. A great game to watch, a big crowd and a solid performance from Lindfield.
Wednesday was a very warm evening at Charles Bean Oval. Lindfield FC were taking on Wollongong Wolves in the FFA Cup.
The chat from the Wollongong side before the game made it obvious they were there to win, and they would not underestimate Lindfield FC.
Lindfield were coming off a spectacular win against Balmain last week, hammering their southern rivals 11:0 in a display of strength, fitness and organisation. And this evening they have brought a crowd of 400 supporters with them.
Lindfield went out hard and controlled the early play, but first blood went to Wollongong’s Hristovski with a clean header in to the net from a corner catching Lindfield by surprise.
Wollongong played with a confidence and accuracy, peppering the Lindfield goal constantly. As a team that plays football two divisions higher, they were clearly used to playing with an intensity and pressure that many in Lindfield had not experienced.
The best chance for Lindfield came from Konno deep in the first half. Bringing the ball out wide he fired it in taking the goalie to full stretch to push it over the crossbar.
1:0 at half time
Ciabatti was an early sub for Lal giving a change of pace upfront, which took the Wolves by surprise, but they quickly regrouped and covered every move he made.
Wollongong’s Brett Wilson scored a second goal midway thru the half from a long switch to the right followed up by a blistering shot along the ground, silencing the Lindfield faithful.
Lindfield brought on Hurwitz late in the half to reinforce the defence. Lindfield had played hard, but were clearly exhausted.
Wollongong almost made it 3 right at the end, punching the ball in to the net, but were called for handball.
Wollongong deserved the win, but had to fight hard for it to grab it from Lindfield. A great game of football to watch.
