The Western Sydney Wanderers have secured a Top Four spot after a 3-1 come from behind win over Macarthur.
It may have been an away game on paper, but the Wanderers fans travelled to Campbelltown Stadium in their thousands to outnumber the Bulls fans and create a wonderful atmosphere, which the Red and Black rewarded with an important victory.
They did take a little while to get going, as Macarthur pressed with intent and forced turnovers in the midfield; it was after one of these where they hit the front.
Marin Jakolis got on the end of a long pass and scampered away, finishing past Lawrence Thomas who rushed out to try and close the danger.
The Wanderers eventually settled and began to take control of the game, with Bozhidar Kraev and Zac Sapsford combining to devastating effect on multiple occasions.
The Bulgarian teed up the young striker, who forced a good stop from Kurto after 20 minutes, but there was nothing the Bulls could do moments later when the roles were reversed.
A smart quick free-kick allowed Sapsford to get in behind, and with acres of space he squared it across to Kraev, who tapped it in to level the scores.
Chances were few and far between for either side in the rest of the half, as Nicolas Milanovic went closest to scoring as he sent a header over the bar from close range in the shadows of half time.
In the second half there was a Wanderers debut for defender Josh Laws, who came on for Alex Bonetig in the heart of defence, but it was his defensive partner who would soon be stealing the show.
Anthony Pantazopoulos has had a breakout campaign, especially in the second half of the season, and he gave the Wanderers the lead in the 55th minute thanks to a bullet header after meeting Josh Brillante’s corner.
It was his second goal of the season, and it sparked scenes of jubilation amongst the Wanderers fans at the far end of the ground.
The Wanderers pushed to take advantage of their ascendancy, with Brandon Borrello being a constant threat for much of the game.
He was unfortunate not to score with two good opportunities, the first one being sent over the bar after he shot on the turn and off balance, and the second denied by Kurto from a tight angle.
Alen Stajcic sent on Marcus Antonsson in the 70th minute, and it wasn’t long before the change paid dividends.
Milanovic sent a header towards the Swede, and after bouncing away, Macarthur defender Kevin Boli made a mess of trying to clear it away.
Antonsson pounced, controlling well and finishing underneath Kurto to give the Wanderers a two goal lead and crucial breathing space in the game and in their quest for the top four.
The Wanderers still had to be alert for the rest of the match, and Thomas made two good saves to deny the home side and to stop a late fightback, and the Wanderers were able to comfortably see out the match and earn a deserved win.
As a result, the Wanderers finish the season on a 12 game unbeaten run and in fourth place.
It is a great result for the club, who have performed brilliantly in the second half of the season, and the moment was captured as all of the players and staff celebrated with the Red and Black Bloc after the game, who were singing long into the night.
