Western United faced one of its biggest tests yet, coming up against Markus Babbel and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
And the undefeated Wanderers could not have started better at GMHBA Stadium.
Just five minutes in, Daniel Georgievski picked out Mitchell Duke whose first-time finish found the back of the net.
United, however, as they so often have been this season, were quick to respond.
Andrew Durante leapt and headed home an Alessandro Diamanti corner in the 13th minute to make it 1-1.
It was Durante’s first A-League goal in 120 games.
United’s equaliser was soured temporarily when Panagiotis Kone was forced from the field with an injury.
The former Greek international was replaced by Aaron Calver, while Connor Chapman moved into midfield.
The second half began with VAR drama.
Scott McDonald was claiming his second goal in as many weeks before a VAR review deemed the ball did not cross the line.
But United did find themselves ahead shortly after.
In his starting debut, Kwabena Appiah-Kubi showed plenty of composure inside the penalty area to turn and finish past Daniel Lopar.
United held on for its third win and handed Western Sydney their first loss of the season.
STORY OF THE GAME
1’ KICK-OFF
5’ GOAL – Western Sydney Wanderers open the scoring through a wonderful Mitchell Duke goal.
13’ GOAL – Western United find the equaliser. Andrew Durante leaps and heads home from a corner.
40’ CHANCE – Alessandro Diamanti’s free-kick is punched away by Daniel Lopar.
HALF-TIME
48’ CHANCE – Scott McDonald’s header has United players claiming a goal, but a VAR review deems it did not cross the line.
57’ GOAL – Kwabena Appiah-Kubi shows plenty of composure inside the penalty area to finish and make it 2-1.
79’ CHANCE – Stamatelopoulos’ first involvement sees him turn and volley but his shot over the bar.
FULL-TIME
Western United 2 (Andrew DURANTE 13’, Kwabena APPIAH-KUBI 58’)
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Mitch DUKE 5’)
Western United FC Squad: 1.Filip KURTO (gk), 4.Andrew DURANTE, 5.Dylan PIERIAS, 6.Connor CHAPMAN, 8.Panagiotis KONE (2.Aaron CALVER 22’), 10.Scott MCDONALD, 11.Connor PAIN, 12.Dario JERTEC, 19.Josh RISDON, 22.Ersan GULUM (3.Brendan HAMILL 90+4’), 23.Alessandro DIAMANTI, 26.Kwabena APPIAH-KUBI (9.Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS 72’)
Substitutes Not Used: 30.Ryan SCOTT (gk), 13.Ivan VUJICA, 14.Max BURGESS
Yellow cards: Ersan GULUM 33’, Kwabena APPIAH-KUBI 63’, Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS 74’
Red cards: None
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 1.Daniel LOPAR (GK), 4.Dylan McGOWAN, 5.Daniel GEORGIEVSKI, 7.Mitchell DUKE, 9.Nicolai MULLER (35.Mohamed ADAM 74’), 14.Alex MEIER (37.Jake TREW), 17.Keanu BACCUS, 19.Pirmin SCHWEGLER, 27.Kwame YEBOAH, 29.Daniel WILMERING, 34.Patrick ZIEGLER,
Substitutes Not Used: 40.Nicholas SUMAN (GK), 13.Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 23.Kosta GROZOS, 33.Tate RUSSELL,
Yellow cards: Patrick ZIEGLER 19’, Keanu BACCUS 49’
Red cards: None
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Western United’s next home game is at GMHBA Stadium against Newcastle Jets on Saturday, 16 November at 7.30pm.
CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
CLICK HERE to become a Western United member.
