The make up game for the earlier cancelled fixture at Spotless Stadium would help bring parity to the draw, but that was the only reference to a draw either side wanted. For the home side a win would lift them clear of seventh with a game in hand, while the visitors just had to win at all costs if they were any chance of playing finals football this year and bring meaning to their season.
Roly Bonevacia – 7.5
Started a lot of Western Sydney’s attacking movements from deep, spraying balls left and right into space with ease. Seems a new player with Carrusca in the side.
Steve Lustica – 7
Given an invitation to score by Ikonomidis on 20 minutes but mishit his shot. Along with Bonevacia controlled the midfield with ease. After some hard work closing down he was subbed in the 70th minute.
Marcelo Carrusca – 7.5
His addition has been fruitful for the Wanderers and has added a different dimension to their attack. Not only his set-pieces but touches of class. 80 very good minutes before coming off early for Brendon Santalab.
Chris Ikonomidis – 9.5
Great opening in his first start in Red and Black. Put one on a platter for Steve Lustica but his shot was tame. Got plenty of ball in encouraging signs for the Lazio loanee. Exploited the space left by Liberato Cacace time after time. Should have scored on 54 minutes but for a goal line clearance by Dylan Fox. Finally got his reward with a brilliant individual effort cutting in from the right wing and finishing with aplomb.
Oriol Riera – 7
If there’s one thing this man can do, it’s head a ball. Made the difficult look easy when he powered a Josh Risdon cross over a scrambling Lewis Italiano and into the net.
Mark Bridge – 6
Some deft touches but didn’t get as much ball as his teammates in a dominant display where most attacking movements went through Ikonomidis down the right. Subbed for Jaushua Sotirio on 77 minutes.
SUBS
Keanu Baccus – 6
On to relieve Steve Lustica and sent a few balls forward, even having a crack from outside the box when the win was already guaranteed.
Jaushua Sotirio – 6
Given 15 minutes off the bench and made them count when he put his side up 4-0, albeit from a dreadful goalkeeper error.
Brendon Santalab – 7
Had 10 minutes when he replaced Carrusca and instantly fired his teammates up. Smashed a shot at Italiano whose save fell to Sotirio and he beat the keeper for the Wanderers fourth.
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