PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEKEND – WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

A dominant display from the Wanderers who put in a performance that their supporters may have been waiting for all season. It may just be their fourth win of the season but it was a solid win and a crucial away win.

Despite seven games at Sydney Olympic Park this year, they are yet to win in their new home grounds. They secured a solid away win this week however with Terry Antonis, Nicolas Martinez and Brendan Santalab putting in some solid performances up front.

The Wanderers may have had the benefit of seeing Wellington go down to ten men, but they had well and truly wrapped the game up by that point.

Their goals were clinical rather than stunning and they worked the goals well, putting in a display that now sees them inside the top six as they continue their tussle with Newcastle Jets.

The win was crucial to see them leapfrog the Phoenix. They had more shots, more shots on target despite having less than 40 per cent of the possession. They put in a Melbourne Victory style win, using their limited chances to get away some solid shots.

Vedran Janjetovic wasn’t challenged as much as Glen Moss but put in a solid performance regardless, only conceding from the penalty spot.

There is another big opportunity for the Wanderers ahead as they take on Central Coast. A big week this week for them and the performance of the week.

PLAYER OF THE WEEKEND – MICHAEL THEO AND DANNY VUKOVIC

You could not split these two. Simply formidable.

Each keeper faced a barrage of shots and each were equal to the challenge. It was an impressive display from each keeper and despite they’re veteran status, they’re still showing that they can put in a solid display.

Both keepers had a touching moment pre-game with Vukovic, Theo and Matt McKay discussing the health of Vukovic’s son but it was their on-field display that was the biggest talking point.

Michael Theo has been inconsistent in some regards but when he turns it on, he turns it on like no other. His impressive display against Sydney FC was a sight to behold and he made sure nothing got past him.

Vukovic was equally impressive at the other end, putting in some great saves, including a fingertip save to deny Thomas Broich. He has been a more consistent performer than Theo, keeping his 11th clean sheet in this game (it was Theo’s 4th).

The heroics of both keepers not only ensured a thrilling game, but ensured both teams a solid result. Sydney remain undefeated and Brisbane were able to come away with a point from the league leaders.

Brisbane Roar have a mid-week trip to China and will then be away to Melbourne City. Theo will have to put in another solid performance against a strong attacking side if he wants to see a positive result next week.

Vukovic may have an easier run, facing the third worst scoring side in the league in the form of Wellington.

If either keeper can reproduce the heroics of this week, both teams could be in with a win next season.

GOAL OF THE WEEKEND – DIEGO CASTRO

Well, it was tight and it was technical, less of a stunner and more of a clinical goal but Diego Castro got the job done with a neat bit of footwork.

Receiving the ball near the corner of the 18 yard box along the goal line, he brought it back in, deftly moving around Daniel Mullen. Just as Andrew Hoole rushed in to close him off, he released a beautiful shot between the two defenders, sliding it in at the near post past the diving Jack Duncan.

We know Castro is a special player but he showed just how deadly he could be on this occasion. His tight footwork and ability to produce a chance from almost nowhere was fully showcased in this goal. He may not be one of the leading goal scorers, but he certainly showed just how deadly he can be when he gets his chance.

A visit to Adelaide next week will have him wanting more, as Perth have the chance to move into 4th position.

FLOP OF THE WEEKEND – ADELAIDE UNITED

There may not have been a better chance for Adelaide to prove they were still a chance for the finals, but that looks a very difficult task now as they sit 10 points behind sixth.

It may have been a tight game but they simply weren’t clinical enough. They had more than 60% possession and twice as many corners as the Mariners but simply couldn’t make it stick. Their crosses were often astray and as has been the case all year, players across the park were taking shots.

Adelaide this weekend became the first team to be unable to mathematically win the A-League this weekend and they now sit five points behind Central Coast.

Adelaide will have a big game next weekend taking on Perth Glory who now are just four points off third. Hopefully they can put in a better display next week.

REFEREE WATCH

Roy O’Donovan can be left feeling hardly done by after he was signalled offside in the 12th minute. The only problem? He was about two metres on side. The call was made very early and before either O’Donovan or Buhagiar (who was also onside) could get a touch on the ball. They were both through 1 on 1 with the keeper and O’Donovan’s reaction said it all.

A poor call that didn’t end up making a difference for the Mariners although O’Donovan and Buhagiar would surely have liked to find themselves on the scoresheat.