Bridge Blows Jets Away As Western Sydney Wander Into 2nd

A stunning solo goal from Mark Bridge was the eventual match winner for Western Sydney, as Youssouf Hersi also put himself on the scoresheet just before half-time. Ruben Zadkovich scored a late consolation goal but the three points went the Wanderers way.

The Wanderers came into the regional round with the chance to take outright second spot on the table, and took their chance with both hands going five games unbeaten - the first side in the A-League this season to do so.

The Wanderers, in a match which they were not at their best, managed to take their chances, giving them a narrow 2-1 win over the Newcastle Jets.

Western Sydney opened the match strongly, creating numerous chances which were squandered. Youssouf Hersi had the best chance early on, with his shot going straight to Mark Birighitti, who was a strong figure in the Newcastle goal.

Aaron Mooy and Mateo Poljak both went close from long range, however still the sides remained locked at 0-0.

Newcastle dominated large patches of possession and looked to challenge the Wanderers goalkeeper Ante Covic, who was largely aided by his strong defensive line, which was still missing Captain Michael Beauchamp. Vice-Captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley however took the role to his own, and made a number of key blocks and interceptions.

Just seconds before half-time, Youssouf Hersi broke the dead-lock, with his deflected shot flying over the stationary defenders, who could do nothing but watch. Hersi and Ono peeled away to celebrate with the vibrant RBB, as Campbelltown Stadium erupted.

Newcastle came out of the half-time break with a larger sense of urgency, pressing higher and taking the game to the Wanderers defence. The Jets however failed to make possession turn into goals, with no real chances occurring for either side till the final third of the match.

With Hersi and Ono both replaced, the Wanderers have the Polenz to thank, with an excellent ball to Mark Bridge, who out muscled Josh Mitchell to power the ball in the back of Birighitti's net, from a tight angle.

Ruben Zadkovich scored a rocket from outside the area in stoppage time, however it wasn't enough for the Jets to takeoff and launch a comeback.

Goalkeeper Ante Covic received a yellow card in the dying moments of the match for delaying the restart of play, after copping abuse from both Emile Heskey and Ryan Griffiths, the latter lucky not to receive a straight red for striking Covic in the heated exchange. Popovic said it was important his team continued their good form at the business end of the season. The Wanderers trail leaders Central Coast by four points.

The Wanderers next match is against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Saturday the 9th of February at 7:45pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time.

Michael Turner