Western United mounted another Hyundai A-League fightback to beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 on Saturday night.
As in last Saturday’s memorable comeback win over Melbourne Victory, United were made to chase the game after Mitch Duke curled the Wanderers in front on five minutes.
But Mark Rudan’s side once again responded purposefully and restored parity through Andrew Durante’s towering back post header – the defender’s first Hyundai A-League goal in five years.
The contest in Geelong cooled after the early flurry of action but was ignited again in the second half when Kwabena Appiah put Western United ahead.
Appiah, who was making his first Hyundai A-League start since 2017/18 and deputising up front for the absent Besart Berisha, turned brilliantly inside the box before sweeping the ball beyond Daniel Lopar for the match-winner.
United leapfrog the visitors into second on the Hyundai A-League table.
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Duke curls the Wanderers ahead
For the second time in as many weeks, United found themselves trailing inside five minutes. But what about the confidence on the finish from Wanderers striker Mitch Duke.
There was a slight element of fortune as Daniel Georgievski’s initial pass for Kwame Yeboah was blocked, but the fullback found Duke who placed a gorgeous first-time effort beyond the stretch of Filip Kurto and into the bottom corner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102122222001
Durante draws United level
Just as they did against Melbourne Victory last Saturday, the Hyundai A-League new boys delivered a rapid-fire response to going behind.
This time, it was via a thumping header from Andrew Durante at the back post, who rose highest to meet Alessandro Diamanti’s corner and restore parity.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102130030001
McDonald goes close
It looked as though United had taken the lead early in the second half when Scott McDonald headed Diamanti’s cross toward goal, but after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee the original decision was upheld.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102134305001
Appiah strikes for United
Appiah led the line in place of the Hyundai A-League’s all-time goal scorer and this was a finish even Berisha himself would have been proud of.
The forward took a superb first touch to control Ersan Gulum’s ball before swivelling and placing the ball into the corner to give United the lead.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102136408001
