The Wanderers were defeated 2-5 in their Greater Bendigo Men’s League 2 match at Rotary Park.
The home side put in a competitive performance against the second placed side in front of a Past Players’ and Sponsors’ day crowd.
Wanderer’s goalkeeper Matt Crothers said he was slightly disappointed with the final result, due to the team having the run of play.
“From my perspective we were the better side. Their keeper just had a blinder,” he said.
“There were three or four one-on-one chances.
“Masen (Brain) and Leslie (Otieno) both had good shots on goal, but he (the goalie) just produced some miracle saves.”
The scoreline was also affected by several spot kicks, Crothers said.
“They had three penalties and scored off two. Other than that it was pretty close, and considering that, I was pretty happy with the result.
“In the second half there was a nasty head injury. One player accidentally headed into another player’s head.
“The game was played in good spirits though, and it definitely wasn’t intentional or anything malicious about it.
“During the stoppage the players got together, and five players helped push the ambulance when it was bogged on the field.”
Crothers said the club event added to the atmosphere of the day.
“The old boys enjoyed the day.
“There was a bit of a friendly match and Swan Hill brought sausages for the barbecue.
“There were some of the original 1962 players and members from the 1981 premiership team. They brought newspaper clippings and donated a shirt for when we get a new club trophy cabinet.
“The refereeing also went well with the girls.”
This week, the Wanderers have a bye before their last match of the home-and-away season against Castlemaine Gold.
The side is currently in the finals’ standings by one point. Due to the fixture, they know what is required to stay in the top four in their next match.
“To knock us out, Castlemaine Green would need to win at Swan Hill - which is unlikely. But we will have to win.
“Hopefully, we should be through, and it will be interesting to take on the Echuca-Moama Border Raiders (in finals).”
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