A RELIEVED Luke Wilkshire has declared the Wollongong Wolves must improve their execution after a tense victory on Sunday afternoon.
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The Wolves, headlined by Milton-Ulladulla's Chris Price, secured a 1-nil win over Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the opening round of the new NSW National Premier Leagues competition, however it was a match of missed opportunities for the side.
Playing at Albert Butler Park, the hosts were in complete control for the majority of the game. That dominance led to a number of attacking chances.
Each time, however, they were denied, with Rangers goalkeeper Carlos Saliadarre producing multiple saves to keep his team in the contest.
Eventually it was Takeru Okada who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, the Japanese star pouncing on a deflected free kick to hand the Wolves the lead.
Wilkshire was pleased to secure the win, however he acknowledged his team must do a better job capitalising on their opportunities in the coming weeks.
"Three points is three points," Wilkshire said.
"We made it harder than we had to, but the most important thing is getting those three points.
"We have to be more ruthless.
"We've got quality, anyone who saw our finishing will think we don't do any finishing at training.
"We do daily, so that needs to improve."
Wollongong spent much of the first half camped inside the Rangers half, Bul Juach threatening each time he touched the ball.
Marcus Beattie also had a number of great chances, however he was unable to convert in front of goal.
The Wolves remained patient, weathering an early second half fightback from Mt Druitt before Okada eventually landed the decisive strike.
Forward Lachlan Scott, who had a number of chances of his own, said it was a credit the side did not become frustrated and move away from the gameplan.
"The mood was pretty positive at half time," Scott said.
"You can't get your head down when things don't go your way in the box.
"The message was pretty simple, just keep doing what you're doing and the goals will come.
"That's what we wanted to do in the second half.
"It was only natural they were going to have the ebbs and flows as well. It was good that we capitalised on our domination and really held hard when they had their runs."
The Wolves were dealt a blow in the dying minutes, Darcy Madden limping off with a hamstring injury.
He will have to race the clock to be fit for his side's next match, Wollongong to face APIA Leichhardt on Friday night.
The match at Lambert Park will pose a number of logistical challenges, however Scott is confident the Wolves will be at their best.
"It will be after work for a lot of the boys, but that's just something you've got to prepare for and deal with.
"We all know the game's on Friday, so we just have to be doing everything at training this week and in our preparations.
"I'm sure we'll go out there and give it a good crack."