The Western Sydney Wanderers Foxtel NYL team are back in striking distance of first place after a 3-1 win over FFA Centre of Excellence at Blacktown International Sportspark.
A goal by Mario Shabow and a double from Daniel Alessi set the tone in an impressive first half for the Red & Black that sees them within two points of leaders Sydney FC.
It was exquisite play from Lachlan Roberts and Josh Macdonald that gave Shabow the opportunity of a tap-in and the young midfielder made no mistake.
The first half was all Wanderers and soon enough the home team doubled their lead when Alessi was the benefactor of a short corner.
Alusine Fofanah whipped in the ball for a diving Alessi to head in at the far post.
Only a few minutes later and the match was effectively over as Alessi grabbed his second goal in almost a carbon copy of his first.
Another short corner – this time from the opposite side – drifted into the box where the centre back fiercely headed the ball into goal.
The second half was less of a spectacle but the Wanderers made it hard for themselves when Josh Gaspari was sent off for two yellow cards only four minutes after coming on as a substitute.
FFA took advantage with a goal in the late stages of the game but it mattered little as the Wanderers claimed the win and now look to mount a seize on first place.
The match also marked the return from injury of Shayne D’Cunha. The Indian-born Young Socceroo had not played since Round 27 of last season’s Hyundai A-League.
Next week the Wanderers travel to Central Coast to take on the Mariners. Kick-off 4pm Sunday at Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence.
