The Central Coast were despatched by a ruthless Wanderers tonight in a 4-1 win that keeps their Premiership dream alive.
Coming into the match in 4th place the Wanderers needed a win to give them any hope of their second A-League Premiership. In what was the last A-League regular season match before Parramatta Stadium will be demolished and rebuilt, they got off to a flyer. 8 minutes into the match Romeo Castelen received the ball outside the area, he took one touch before blasting a rocket into the top corner that gave debutant Mariners keeper Adam Pearce no chance at all of even getting a fingertip save.
Despite the early setback Central Coast didn't lay down, and their diligent pressing high up the pitch paid off. Scott Jamieson & Mark Bridge combined to lose the ball on the right flank. Nikolai Topor-Stanley was out of position, Mitch Austin right footed cross exposed the disorganised defence, the cross fell into the path of Luis Garcia who had ghosted in between Alberto & Andreu for a stooping header.
That goal was the height of the Mariners play for the match, as the Wanderers reasserted their dominance and their lead on 36 minutes. Castelen looking for a brace dribbled through 5 Mariners defenders before an outside of the foot shot that was low but straight at the keeper, the ball fell luckily to the feet of Santalab, he made no mistake on his left to tap into the open net from the corner of the 6 yard box.
The half-time break saw no respite for the Mariners as Western Sydney scored their 3rd, and Santalab his second. It was a practical copy of the Mariners goal, with Scott Neville launching a delightful cross into the box that found Santalab who turned in his header at the far post.
4-1 was the final scoreline, secured with Mark Bridge turning former Wanderers youth league player Jake McGing inside and out, his cutback was blocked by Michael Neill, perfectly into the path of Nichols who powered the ball home from 6 yards.
Western Sydney go back on top of the ladder, albeit with the opening match of Round 26, relying on Adelaide, Brisbane & Melbourne City to all lose to stay there.
The final match of the regular season is against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand next weekend.
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