A serious challenge, the match ended with the same scoreline from when the two teams played earlier in the season, Deniliquin losing 13-1.
Despite the margin, Wanderers coach Mark Plant said he was pleased with his side’s resolve against Swan Hill.
“We only had nine players. Most other teams would forfeit, but that’s not what our club is about,” he said.
As a result of the difference in playing numbers, the Wanderers had to adapt their play style.
“As soon as we got on the field you could see they readjusted their tactics.
“We were unlucky not to score in the first half. We had a few chances and even hit the post.”
The Wanderers kept the score to a four-nil deficit at half-time, largely thanks to goalkeeper James Weir.
“They threw everything at us. James Weir produced a masterclass in goals.
“His saving well and truly kept us in it and he earned a well-deserved players’ player for it too.”
Swan Hill scored nine goals in the second.
“We ran out of legs in the second half, which was always going to be difficult to cover the ground with nine players against a team with a full bench of subs, but they ran over the top of us,” Plant said.
A match highlight was a late goal to Masen Brain.
“It was an 80th-minute goal, which showed we were still pushing right until the end of the second half against the league leaders.
“They only let in 12 goals this whole season, and two have been from us, which is something we can hang our hat on.
“Scoring against the league leader at the end of the match, with only nine players; I thought it was pretty good.”
In the final round of the comp this weekend, the Wanderers will play Golden City White at Deniliquin’s Rotary Park tomorrow at 2pm.
The teams played out a two-all draw in their first meeting of the season, but have had differing fortunes since. White are set to finish in the top four while Deni looks likely to finish 7th.
“On paper, we have a strong side. The key is just to get everyone to show up.
“It’s the last game of the season at home. Hopefully, we get a bit of a crowd.
“There is also a bit of a race on for the Golden Boot between Bruce Maunganidze and Masen Brain. There are only a couple of goals between them, so I’ll likely put them both forward, which should be interesting.
“At this stage, we’re not really expecting too much. We’ll try to go forward and score some goals.”
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