Wollongong United FC overcame Dandaloo FC in a valiant and entertaining game, beating the defending minor premiers 1-0 at home. Played at Macedonia Park, the home fans kept the faith behind the home side, as the 3 points were much needed for United to stay afloat in the top division this year. With Dandaloo dominating the attack in the first half, a determined United defence held on at halftime with the score 0-0.

A fine shot from the edge of the box from young striker Jason Dimovski proved the vital difference. Due to some rough and dubious challenges, Dandaloo finished the game with 9 men, as Steve Krishna and Ryan Carr were sent off after receiving their second yellow cards for the game. This lifted Dandaloo for the last 20 minutes of the game, as they showed strong fight in attacking the United defence. However, it was former Dandaloo coach Peter Beggs who left victorious for Wollongong.

Dandaloo and Wollongong faced a crucial encounter coming into the round 22 fixture - a win lifting Dandaloo closer to a 4th consecutive minor premiership, whilst a win providing a much needed lift for Wollongong United in their battle to get out of the relegation zone.

It was Dandaloo who dominated early in the 1st half, with veterans Anthony Guido and Chris Jackson leading the way. Dandaloo's efforts were well matched by a committed United defence, namely sweeper Richard Plesa, midfielder Rob Ruffell and goalkeeper Danial Farias. The highlight save of the game being Farias diving back into the left corner from a 20 yard shot, palming the ball away from a certain goal. Minutes later, United striker Ali Salim managed to beat a defender and collect a long ball. His one on one attempt with the keeper went unusually high and over the bar.

United players Sammy Mehrkhavari and Eddie Wong took some rough challenges throughout the game. Their resilience paid dividends in the 50th minute, as Dandaloo midfielder Steve Krishna was sent off for a heavy foul on Sammy, receiving his 2nd yellow card. Wollongong capitalised on this soon after, with Dimovski collecting the ball in the centre of the goal, from 18 yards out. He moved the ball to the left before striking low and to the right corner, beating keeper Scott Whalen.

The action kept going, as Dandaloo then had a headed goal disallowed after a player interfered in the cross and took out United's Farias. A great chance to finish the game off came for United when Dimovski sent a curling pass around a defender and to Salim, who dribbled the ball to the line, turned a defender and shot, narrowly missing the goal - and 2 fairly open United team mates.

With 20 minutes to go, Ryan Carr's rough challenge and elbow saw on Wong saw the Dandaloo defender sent off for a 2nd yellow card. This fired up his team mates, as they lifted a notch an pressed on goal several times. The United team gave them some room in the midfield, as they decided to hold the defence and outnumber them at the back.

Next week sees Wollongong travelling away to the struggling Warilla Wanderers. The confidence gained from beating some high quality opposition in Dandaloo should carry on the next few games, as United look to finish the season off strongly. Kick off is at King Mickey Park, Warilla, at 3pm on Saturday.

SUMMARY:

First Grade: Wollongong United FC: 1 (J Dimovski 54") defeated Dandaloo: 0

Reserve Grade: Wollongong United FC: 2 (V Taskevski 45", C Murdzevski 57") drew with Dandaloo: 2 (Porter 19", C Luff 62")

Youth Grade: Wollongong United FC: 0 lost to Dandaloo: 3