WOLLONGONG Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire has urged his team to chase national glory after their comprehensive victory over Canberra Olympic on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Having dismantled their opponents 5-1, the Wolves, featuring Milton-Ulladulla's Chris Price and Shoalhaven Heads' Brendan Low, will play in next week's National Premier Leagues semi-finals and Wilkshire said the post-match message to his team was clear.
"We spoke about it as a group, this is another knockout series and a massive opportunity for us," Wilkshire said. "That's one down, now we have two to go.
"We want to finish our season on a victory, that's the best way to finish a season. It's been a good season, but if we don't finish on a victory, it will leave a bitter taste in the mouth."
After an even start to the match, the Wolves gained the upper-hand midway through the first half. That control soon turned into points, with Lachlan Scott opening the scoring in the 36th minute with a brilliant piece of attack.
Thomas James converted a penalty six minutes later to hand his side a 2-0 lead at the break, before Wollongong put the game to bed early in the second half.
Related content: 31-year drought broken as Wollongong Wolves lift premiers trophy
Goals to James Stojcevski and Nick Littler in the 49th and 53rd minutes ensured any hopes of an Olympic second-half comeback were extinguished, with Stefan Dimoski rounding out the scoring in the dying minutes to secure the victory.
Wilkshire challenged his side to close out the game early in the second half and he was thrilled with the way they responded.
"I was pleased with the way we came out in the second half. We spoke about it at half-time, we were up 2-0 and cruising, I told them not to rest on their laurels, but to go on with it.
"The boys came out with a fantastic attitude and went on with it.
"It's great for us to be back to our winning ways. Winning and losing can be a habit, so to get the victory and score five goals is a great result."