THE South Dubbo Wanderers FC (SDW) boys were out in force in round 12 with both third and first grade matching up against Macquarie United while second grade faced EDU.
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The results were a mixed bag with a win, draw and loss.
The third grade boys were the winners, defeating a Macquarie side which needed to win to keep its season alive.
The more experienced SDW side took to the wet and muddy pitch and while the surface wasn't conducive to SDW's regular passing game they came away with the win.
The ever-reliable Shaun Johnson was awarded the players cup and three points for his efforts. Goal scorers for the match were Craig Mules, Adam Stiles and Alan Smith.
Second grade matched up against a hard EDU team who hit the pitch willing to play and took the game to the SDW with vigour.
It was hard for the young SDW squad to handle but the match finished in a draw.
Key players stood up and Mitch Goodwin was awarded three points while Tommy Joseph and keeper Blake Whiley fought hard to ensure their team kept a clean sheet.
Young and upcoming junior Connor McDonald was impressive, as was Jacob Sykes.
"The future of the club is bright with these young players coming through. They have all played with the club for many years, coming through the junior ranks and it is great to see," coach Phil Dunn said after seeing some of the younger players perform well above their years.
The first grade match saw SDW come up against a well-drilled and experienced Macquarie United.
SDW made some tactical changes and captain Shaun Ingram asked his players to keep their shape and heads against the strong competition favourites.
Macquarie struck with two quick goals and while they used this momentum to their advantage SDW kept strong playing with pride, kept their composure.
As the game settled into some good rhythm SDW created chances, however were unable to capitalise against the strong Macquarie defence.
After some end-to-end play and quick counter-attacking play from Macquarie, SDW fell further behind.
SDW improved in the second half and pushed Macquarie in patches and didn't allow them any rest.
With some good build-up play and chances created SDW pinched a goal back with Caleb Watmore finishing some great football.
This sparked the SDW team on and they fought hard to maintain possession and build up another attacking raid on the Macquarie goal.
Further end-to-end football ensued with Macquarie netting another. The goal came at a price however when they lost skipper Alan Auld midway through the second half.
This loss of such a key player saw the Macquarie defence open up which SDW capitalised on with a wayward cross from Josh Wells unwittingly finding the back of the net.
The team's three points were awarded to keeper Shaun Ingram who kept well and made Macquarie fight hard for their goals.