The Wanderers have fallen to a heavy 7-0 defeat against Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Tuesday night.
In the second of a three game stretch in the space of eight days, the Wanderers welcomed back Marcus Antonsson and Lawrence Thomas to the starting lineup from injury, but were without captain Marcelo due to suspension.
Both sides had opportunities early, as Thomas pulled off a crucial one-on-one save to deny the home side, before Marcus Antonsson had a good effort on goal saved by Jamie Young.
The game swung in momentum as City scored two goals in quick succession, with Tolgay Arslan netting a double.
The Wanderers had chances to halve the deficit through Aidan Simmons and Lachie Brook, but the former’s effort was off target, and Brook had his shot saved by Young.
The home side were able to utilise their momentum to score twice more, as Leo Natel got on the scoresheet in the 39th minute, before youngster Max Caputo scored with a composed finish into the corner of the goal.
The Wanderers made changes at half-time, with the likes of Milos Ninkovic and Dylan Pierias entering the fray, as well as a debut for 17-year-old centre back Nathan Barrie.
One of the substitutes Jack Clisby went close to scoring, but sliced his effort wide of the goal after he made a run at the back post.
City scored another goal as Nuno Reis was able to head home from a corner, before Jamie Maclaren scored a header from close range after coming off the bench.
Fellow substitute Terry Antonis then scored a freak goal from the centre circle, as his volleyed effort was hit sweetly and looped into the net over Thomas, who despite being positioned well could do nothing to prevent the long range effort.
The Wanderers are on the road again on Saturday as they face the Perh Glory.
