Demons salvage draw against Wollongong FC

The game was evenly balanced in the opening stages with both sides trying to hold the early possession. With Wollongong sitting pretty in third-spot in the TeleChoice Premier League, Stephen Hayes was performing in his role as defensive midfielder, trying to rev-up his side to secure all three-points.
In the 5^? minute a deadly cross from Blacktown City’s Ken Chun was eyeing the path of forward Adam Biddle, only for Hayes to nicely intercept the play and clear the line to avoid an early opening for the home side.
Again Wollongong FC’s in-form forward Osagie Ederaro and midfielder Ballamadou Conde were trying to link-up on the right side of the field, with some good quality touches, however the side lacked the momentum to create the early chances.
It was Blacktown with the attacking momentum swinging there way, in the 6? minute Blacktown Midfielder Ken Chun stormed through a couple of Wollongong midfielders and fed the ball on the right to Adam Biddle who found himself in a one-on-one position with Wollongong keeper Justin Pasfiled, however a crucial tackle from Wollongong defender Danial Cummins pushed away the shot.
In the 28^? minute Wollongong FC was awarded a penalty when Blacktown City defender Ben Ellis was called for pushing in the box.
Wollongong FC striker Ilija Prenzoski made no mistake from the spot, striking the ball with venom down the centre of the goal leaving Blacktown City goalkeeper Ivan Necevski stranded to give his side the 1-0 lead.
Blacktown City dominated the latter stages of the first-half and had numerous chances to level just before the interval. A free-kick in the 32? minute outside the 18-yard box gave Blacktown City midfielder Brian Vanega a chance to level the scores – however his effort just missed over the bar.
Only moments later, a great cross from Blacktown?s Tyler Simpson was controlled by Bruno Salas, however he couldn?t get his attempt away as Demons defenders Paul Karbon and Daniel Wilkinson cleared the ball from the danger, as Wollongong protected their 1-0 lead going into the break.
The second-half began well for Blacktown City with the side looking to level early on. A 46^? minute counter-attack down the right side resulted in a great cross that picked out Adam Biddle?s well-timed run ? the former Sydney FC player slotted home a sensational strike past Justin Pasfield to level the game at 1-1.
In the 52? minute Blacktown City could have taken the lead, the momentum was well with the Demons after Ken Schembri made an early substitution in the forward-line throwing in forward Chris Bedzo.
Impact was immediate with the young forward making a great run down the left side in the 52? beating two Wollongong defenders and hitting a superb shot. The strike was saved by Justin Pasfield but fell into the feet of midfielder Ken Chun who found himself with an opened goal; however his strike was saved again by the heroics of Justin Pasfield.
Blacktown City was in-control but couldn?t find the net for the second time in the game. Stand-out performers for the home-side were Ken Chun and Brian Venaga ? both  in the thick of the action – sharing some good quality possession with Tyler Simpson and Daniel Wilkinson.
Wollongong FC was far from their best on the night, however Osagie Ederaro was still showing some quality life in his game chasing every ball.
In the 70? minute they could have snatch an unlikely victory when Ilija Prenzoski found himself unmarked 10-metres out. Prenzoski turned defender Paul Karbon, however the Blacktown City defender stood his ground and blocked the attempted shot by Prenzoski.
Blacktown City was by far the better side in the second-half, however Wollongong FC keeper Justin Pasfield was in-form, thwarting a last minute superb run by Blacktown City playmaker Brian Venaga who slotted past  three players down the right side only for his shot to be well saved.
Blacktown head coach Ken Schembri was pleased with the effort, however he believes his side should have collected all three points.
?I thought we played consistent tonight, we were the better side by far, however we need to learn to take our chances and strive to gain three points in these close games, but despite only the one point I?m delighted with the side?s determination and hard work?.  
MATCH STATS
Blacktown City Demons 1 (Adam Biddle 46?)
Wollongong FC 1 (Ilija Prenzoski 28?)
Venue: Fairfax Community Stadium
Crowd: 300 approx.
Blacktown City Demons: 1. Ivan Necevski; 2. Matt Pressello, Paul Karbon, 4. Daniel Wilkinson, 6. Ken Chun (10. Leo Carle 72?), 7. Tyler Simpson, 9. Bruno Salas (Chris Bedzo 85?), 13. Ben Ellis, 16. Adam Biddle, 19. Brian Vanega, 25. Jordan Simpson (Matt Lewis 86?).
Substitutes not used: 17. Tim Rassmussen, 20. Matt Nemes (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Wollongong FC: 1.Justin Pasfield 4; Michael West, 5. Steve Hayes, 6. Ilija Prenzoski, 7.Michael Hawrysiuk, (8. Mitch Long 88?), 10. Ballamadou Conde, 13.Tynan Diaz, 14.Danial Cummins, 17. Ben Blake, 18.Osagie Ederaro, 10. Ballamadou Conde, (2. Alfredo Esteves 91?), 19. Matt Bailey (3. Lachlan Cahill 85?)
Substitutes not used: 20. Adam Rodriguez (Gk)
Yellow Cards: 14. Danial Cummins 42?
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3 ? Brian Vanega (BCD)
2 ? Justin Pasfield (WFC)
1 ? Ken Chun (BCD)
-By Johnny Casni