Western Sydney Wanderers continued their pursuit of the A-League title with a 4-1 over the Central Coast Mariners at Pirtek Stadium.
The Wanderers took an early lead as Romeo Castelen notched up his fourth goal of the season with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area. Having dominated from the start, it looked as though the home side would continue piling on the goals after breaking the deadlock.
However, Tony Popovic’s side gave into complacency and were deservedly punished as Luis Garcia ghosted into the penalty area to equalise for Central Coast, diving low to head Mitch Austin’s cross past Andrew Redmayne.
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Western Sydney returned to the front in the 35th minute as Romeo Castelen carved through the Mariners defence and although his initial attempt was saved by Adam Pearce, Brendon Santalab was able to put away the loose ball.
Santalab was at it again early in the second half, heading home Scott Neville’s cross after being left unmarked at the far post.
Mitch Nichols finished off the scoring in the closing stages, stabbing home the loose ball after fantastic build-up play from Mark Bridge.
Keeper situation symptomatic of Mariners’ woes
19-year-old Adam Pearce made his A-League debut for the visitors and became the fifth different goalkeeper to be used by the club this season after Liam Reddy, Paul Izzo, Tom Heward-Belle and Alastair Bray. Although the youngster made a capable debut, not finding himself at fault for any of the goals, the constant rotation perfectly encapsulates the Mariners this season – plenty of potential, but not enough game-changing quality.
Too often this season the Mariners have shown flashes of promise in matches, and the same was repeated today when Luis Garcia popped up in the box for an equaliser. However, there is still no clear direction behind the team’s general play in attack or defence. The Wanderers repeatedly cut through the midfield tonight and could have scored more barring some woeful finishing and desperate tackles, while going forward the only chances were created either by defensive mistakes or fortunate long balls forward. Tony Walmsley needs to make the most of the off-season and find a clear line of play for the squad next A-League campaign.
Santalab pushes for starting berth
The tenacious forward has built a reputation as an impact player, scoring multiple goals off the bench to win points for his side this season. However with none of his teammates finding the net regularly, Santalab was given a chance to show he was worthy of a starting berth.
Tony Popovic’s decision paid off handsomely, as the 33-year-old scored in either half to take his tally to eight for the season and stake his claim for a regular starting berth ahead of the finals.
Title race to go down to the wire
The win sends Western Sydney a point clear at the top of the table, but Tony Popovic’s side could finish the weekend in fourth place if results do not go their way. However, thanks to the closeness of the table, next week’s final game of the season against Wellington will still offer the Wanderers a chance to take home the Premiers Plate – testament to the evenness of the competition this season, at least in the top half of the table.
Outside90 Player of the Year votes
3 – Brendon Santalab – Western Sydney Wanderers
2 – Mitch Nichols – Western Sydney Wanderers
1 – Scott Neville – Western Sydney Wanderers
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