Western Sydney Wanderers have jumped from eighth up to third on the Isuzu UTE A-League table after a 4-0 trouncing of Central Coast Mariners on Saturday afternoon. The Wanderers travelled to Industree Group Stadium in search of a victory to boost their finals credentials, and Alen Stajcic’s side produced impressively, refusing to give the reigning champions any opportunity to challenge.
Zac Sapsford put the visitors on top early after just six minutes with a somewhat comical play. A remarkable goal kick from defender Anthony Pantazopoulos leaped over the heads of the Mariners' defense, and keeper Adam Pavlesic misjudged the play, flubbing his header as Sapsford capitalized, tapping the ball easily past him.
Seven minutes later, the Wanderers made it 2-0. Defender Jack Clisby seized possession after intercepting Mariners midfielder Mikael Doka and orchestrated the counter-attack. Sapsford creatively backheeled the loose ball to Clisby, who calmly finished with precision. This goal showcased the Wanderers' attacking flair and tactical discipline.
Despite the scoreline, the Mariners did have their chances. Lucas Mauragus struck the woodwork just before the 23rd minute, and Alou Kuol had another shot cleared off the line shortly after, but the Wanderers didn't break under pressure.
Alen Stajcic, the Wanderers’ coach, expressed frustration at being denied what he labeled "the clearest penalty we’ve had all season" when Bozhidar Kraev was taken down by Brian Kaltak. His pleas were dismissed by the officials, yet the Wanderers’ momentum remained unshaken.
At the 39th minute, Northern Sydney’s day seemed to worsen when Dean Pelekanos’ strike from outside the box fortuitously deflected off teammate Nicolas Milanovic, leaving Pavlesic with no chance. That third goal before halftime sent the Wanderers to the break with clear dominion over the match.
The second half saw little change, with the Wanderers maintaining their pressure. The icing on the cake arrived during the 72nd minute when Marcus Antonsson won a penalty after being brought down by Pavlesic. Though the initial attempt was saved, VAR intervention revealed the keeper had stepped off his line, leading to the penalty being retaken. Antonsson made no mistake with his second shot, solidifying the scoreline at 4-0.
With the win, the Wanderers rose to third place, though their position remains precarious with Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Western United, and Sydney FC all within three points and possessing games in hand. Meanwhile, the loss leaves the Mariners languishing at 10th place, winless over their last five matches, and five points behind the finals contention.
Next, Western Sydney Wanderers face Perth Glory at home, hoping to maintain their recent form. Meanwhile, Central Coast Mariners will look to regroup as they prepare to host Western United. The mounting pressure on Mark Jackson and his team will only grow if they fail to turn their fortunes around soon.