Wollongong United FC came from behind to defeat Tarrawanna Blueys FC 3-1 in a thrilling contest at Macedonia Park, thanks to a relentless second-half display led by Jason Zufic, Kyah Jovanovaki, and Mitsuo Yamada.
United began the game looking to win quickly by pressing the other team’s higher lines. It was in the 3rd minute that Daniel Geroski aimed for the target but went wide. Not long after, solid passes from Navarone Darjani to Yosuke Akiyama gave Geroski a clear chance, yet he missed the target again. Kaydin Harrison easily saved a shot that James Stojanovski fired at him.
At the 10-minute mark, a foul on Akiyama gave United a good chance to score from a free-kick. Harrison blocked the attempt by Samuel Matthews, and Dylan Nikolovski cleared the ball to maintain Tarrawanna’s lines. Both teams using tough challenges and quick combination play in the battle of the midfield.
In the 16th minute, a stray pass by Rene Vescio gave Darjani an opening, however, his first-time ball was cut out. Zachary Mazevski cleared from the back before supplying a chance to Jarrad Wiley, but no goal resulted. In the 23rd minute, the Blueys tried to score again on a break, but their shot missed the goal.
United had another attempt to score in the 24th minute, but Darjani’s move in the box ended when Mitchell Brooker tracked back with a perfect sliding tackle. At the opposite wing, Tarrawanna kept attacking but was unable to make the final shot.
Jordan Nikolovski was a significant threat with a powerful shot in the 32nd minute, thanks to Geroski’s smooth feet and crafty movement. A few minutes later, a corner for the Blueys resulted in a low delivery from Wiley, but Brooker’s shot went wide. Tarrawanna had a good chance at the conclusion of the half when Wiley evaded two defenders and passed to Cody Waller, whose close-range drive was deflected and put out for a corner.
The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute. Tarrawanna launched a swift attack, prompting Waller to deliver a quick ball to Wiley, who squared for Robert Delbanco. The midfielder made no mistake, neatly shooting into the bottom right corner to give Tarrawanna Blueys FC a 1-0 lead.
Wollongong United reacted with determination. Darjani launched another attack in the 68th minute, finding Jason Zufic, who fired a low shot into the net to tie the game. Just minutes later, in the 74th, Babarovski fired a looping cross into the box, and Kyah Jovanovaki soared above the defence to head it home, putting United ahead 2-1.
United clinched the victory in the 83rd minute with a devastating counterattack. Darjani won the ball deep in defence and drove forward, assisted by Akiyama and Mitsuo Yamada. With only one defender to beat, Darjani sent the ball to Yamada, who neatly chipped the keeper for United’s third goal, a superb finish that sealed the game.
Tarrawanna attempted to stage a late comeback, but it was too late. Wollongong United dominated the last minutes, cruising to a well-deserved 3-1 victory.
Match Report: Wollongong United FC 3–1 Tarrawanna Blueys FC
Venue: Macedonia Park | Kick-off: 2:45 PM
What’s Next:
Wollongong United FC will host Coniston FC on Saturday, May 24th, at Macedonia Park.
Tarrawanna Blueys FC will pay a visit to Shellharbour FC at Barrack Heights Sports Field on May 24.
Reported by Nikith George Mathew.
