The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL side were overhauled in the second half of their clash against Blacktown City, losing 3-0 at Landen Stadium.
They did well to hold out an onslaught from the home side for about an hour, but two red cards unfortunately contributed to the resistance crumbling, as City took advantage of their extra man on the park.
The home side, who are looking to secure a place in the finals, came out full of intent on Sunday afternoon, as they quickly took control of the ball and pressed the Wanderers high up the pitch.
However, the Wanderers rearguard managed to limit the chances they could create, as they frustrated Blacktown early on.
The returning Taiga Harper was finally called into action in the 25th minute as he dived well to his left to deny Travis Major, though the hosts soon began to pepper the goal with shots.
Major once again had a shot on goal in the 37th minute that rolled wide of the post, and the Blacktown attacker missed a header from in front just moments later.
The Wanderers nearly punished Blacktown’s wastefulness in front of goal just before the break as poor passing allowed the ball to fall to Phil Gigliotti, but Tristian Prendergast in goal was able to scramble back and save the goalbound effort.
The Wanderers hopes of holding out their opponents took a hit just after the break when Matthew O’Donoghue received a straight red card after the referee deemed him to deny a clear goalscoring opportunity, with Blacktown hitting the front in the 58th minute through a quality Grant Lynch volley from outside the box.
A quick corner kick routine then caught the Wanderers out in the 66th minute through a Joey Gibbs header, and Danny Choi added a third in the 71st minute.
The misery for the Wanderers was completed at the end of the match, as Dimo Dimo was given a straight red card for a foul.
