Canberra United 0 def. by Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (John Roberts 90+1’)
Canberra United fell to a second loss in the Foxtel Y-League at Deakin Stadium as a late penalty was enough for defending Champions Western Sydney Wanderers to claim the win on Saturday.
The first half was relatively slow with neither side creating many chances.
The Wanderers held the majority of possession to start but were unable to find a way through a resolute Canberra backline.
Their first real chance of the game came to the visitors though as Marc Tokich had a shot from outside the box that flashed just wide of the goal.
The Wanderers continued with their pressure as Lachlan Scott sent an effort wide not long after.
One of United’s best chances came in the 30th minute as Antoni Timotheou played in Lucas Mauragis down the left flank and Mauragis was able to force a corner off his defender, but nothing came of the set piece.
There weren’t many chances to follow in the remaining 15 minutes though as both sides struggled to really test the opposing goal keeper and the game remained goalless at the break.
It was Canberra who came out the blocks firing in the second half, with Mauragis sending a cross into the box towards Bul Juach, but the Wanderers’ defense was up to the task.
United made their first change of the game ten minutes into the half as Zac Barbatano replaced Ben Obst, and four minutes later Tony Spaseski did well to deny the Wanderers as it looked like they would score.
John Roberts had a go at goal with 20 minutes to play for the visitors but it was straight at Finn Jurak, and ten minutes later Brodie Clarkson but his set-piece effort straight at Nicholas Suman in the visiting goal.
Lochlan Constable fired a free-kick over the bar in the dying minutes but the game was turned on it’s head as a heavy touch from Finn Jurak gave an opportunity for Manyiel Majok to steal the ball away and the two collided, with the referee pointing to the spot for a penalty.
Roberts stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball past Jurak in the first minute of stoppage time to hand the visitors a last gasp win.
United now turn attention to a meeting with Sydney FC at Lambert Park next weekend.
