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Fans crash through ad hoarding after late equaliser

An over-excited section of Wanderers fans sent an advertising hoarding crashing over after a dramatic late equaliser in the FFA Cup.

Western Sydney were on the verge of a shock exit at the hands of NSW NPL1 side Blacktown City when Oriol Riera scored to make it 2-2 deep into the second period of extra time.

The ecstasy and relief of the away fans was palpable as the travelling supporters went crazy behind the goals.

However, things got a little out of hand as dozens of fans jumping up and down sent the hoarding and themselves toppling over and onto the pitch.

The wild scenes were reminiscent of an A-League clash between the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory earlier in the year when fans broke through a fence in celebration at Hunter Stadium.

The Wanderers ended up avoiding an infamous FFA Cup exit after prevailing a 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.

Former National Soccer League club Blacktown eliminated Central Coast Mariners last month, but there seemed little likelihood of another upset in the early stages.

Riera netted from the spot after just three minutes for the Wanderers following a clear-cut penalty awarded for a foul on Jumpei Kusukami.

The Wanderers controlled possession for large passages of play on the artificial surface at Lily Homes Stadium, but gilt-edged goalscoring opportunities were few and far between during the first half.

Blacktown goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast made a couple of key blocks to keep his side in the contest, notably from Roly Bonevacia's volley.

These fans simply couldn't contain their excitement. Pic: Getty
These fans simply couldn't contain their excitement. Pic: Getty

Blacktown, however, opened the second half with renewed vigour and they eventually made the Wanderers pay for their lack of cutting edge.

Substitute James Andrew equalised for Blacktown midway through the second half after racing onto a superb pass from former Sydney FC youth team player Zach Cairncross.

The goal provided added belief for City and Mitch Mallia could have given the home side an unlikely lead with a close range snapshot.

A famous cup upset was on the cards for the sell-out crowd of 4,217 but the Wanderers could have retaken the lead as Riera created a yard of space and crashed an effort against the crossbar.

Riera was the two-goal hero for the Wanderers. Pic: Getty
Riera was the two-goal hero for the Wanderers. Pic: Getty

At the other end Mallia forced Vedran Janjetovic into a flying fingertip save but the Wanderers failed to heed the warning signs.

Mallia burst into the penalty area and his sweeping low cross set up Andrew for an easy finish at the back post 14 minutes into the added half-hour.

Powerful No.9 Riera was the man to save the Wanderers' blushes with a perfectly executed headed equaliser seven minutes later.

There was still time for a Mallia effort to trickle inches wide as the A-League side lived on the edge but there was to be no fairytale for Blacktown who missed their first two penalty shots.