The Western Sydney Wanderers cemented their hold on 6th place & the last final series place with a comfortable 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix, for a first win at the Sydney Showground.
Wellington looked like they were still in the warmup early in the game, and the Wanderers took advantage for Nico Martinez to open the scoring. Scott Neville & Mitch Nichols kept the ball alive with a back & forth, Neville had to slide in with a challenge, fortunately it rolled across the penalty area to Martinez who shot first time on his right foot sending the ball into the bottom corner.
The visitors had a decent half hour following the goal but they copped a goal from Wanderers legend Brendon Santalab. Nichols broke down the left wing, strode in towards goal before providing Santalab with a simple pass at the edge of the penalty area. Santalab cut the ball back on his left foot then blasted his shot through the hands of Moss for.
After half-time Santalab had his brace, and became the Wanderers outright leading scorer, Jack Clisby's cross to the far post was found by Martinez, he took a touch then lofted the ball back into the 6 yard box, Santalab attacked the ball, slamming a header for the Wanderers 3rd goal.
Gui Finkler gave Wellington a glimmer of hope with a 76th minute free kick, Aspro was lucky not to have given away a penalty with another example of holding at a set piece, Finkler didn't need to be on the penalty spot, beaten Janjetovic with his sublime technique. The two goal deficit proved too much, as Wellington's effort fizzled out without making too much trouble for the Wanderers defence.
Western Sydney face Melbourne City in a key match as they head into the final series, and will need a comprehensive victory to give their supporters real hope that they can go all the way to the Grand Final.
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