The Western Sydney Wanderers produced one of their most complete performances of the season on Sunday afternoon, dismantling Rockdale Ilinden 5-0 at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.
Facing one of the competition’s benchmark clubs away from home, the Red and Black wasted little time imposingthemselves on the contest. After surviving early pressure from the hosts, the Wanderers struck with their first real opportunity when Tristan Arrate’s dangerous free kick found Oscar Morrison, who powered home a header inside the opening three minutes.
The early goal settled the Wanderers, who continued to threaten through their pace and direct attacking play. AlaatAbdul-Rahman and Awan Lual constantly stretched Rockdale’s defensive line, while the midfield worked tirelessly to disrupt the hosts whenever they attempted to build momentum.
A major turning point arrived shortly before halftime when Rockdale defender Hunter Elliott was shown a straight red card after bringing down Lual as the last defender. The Wanderers capitalised immediately, doubling their advantage instoppage time as Lachlan Sattout delivered a composed ball across goal for Abdul-Rahman to tap home.
With the numerical advantage and momentum firmly in their favour, the Wanderers controlled the second half from start to finish.
Just after the hour mark, Lual again caused problems down the attacking third before
Abdul-Rahman laid the ball into the path of Arrate, who calmly finished to make it 3-0. Substitute Harper Ryles then made an immediate impact off the bench, driving through midfield before producing a composed finish from the edge of the area for the Wanderers’ fourth.
Ryles wasn’t finished there, later turning provider as he combined brilliantly with Arrate, who secured his second goal of the afternoon to complete the five-star performance.
The result marked one of the Wanderers’ strongest displays of the campaign, not only because of the scoreline, but due to the discipline, intensity and composure shown against one of the league’s most experienced outfits. After last week’s dramatic draw against Blacktown City, the response from the young Wanderers side was emphatic.
The Red and Black now continue to build momentum as the race for finals football begins to intensify in the second half of the season.
