Another stellar performance in Melbourne saw the Western Sydney Wanderers claim a fantastic 3-1 win on Saturday night. This time it was against the red half in Melbourne Heart.
It was an evenly contested match for most of the first 28 minutes. A clear cut chance from Nikolai Topor-Stanley went begging early in the game, a header from five yards out that only managed to hit the side netting.
The next opportunity did not go to waste. A nice run by Mark Bridge down the left saw his cross finished well by the recently in form Labinot Haliti from the edge of the box.
Constant pressure from Melbourne Heart got them back into the game. A 39th-minute strike from Golgol Mebrahtu saw the ball sailing out of the keeper’s reach to make it 1-1. Melbourne continued to put pressure on Western Sydney to finish off the half in a slightly stronger position.
The second half continued to see open play from both teams. The intensity and effort was entertaining for the neutral, waiting to see which team would score first.
That honour fell to the Wanderers in the 58th minute. A well-timed pass from Iacopo La Rocca found Haliti once more who did not fail with his finish, putting his side 2-1 up.
The Wanderers had the upper hand. Two minutes from time saw another attack find La Rocca just inside the box – his classy shot curled past a hapless Andrew Redmayne in goals to make it 3-1.
It was a performance full of character that is deserving of a team that has won a record 10 games in a row. The Western Sydney Wanderers are now on course for the Premiers Plate in its maiden season.
Melbourne Heart 1 (Golgol Mebrahtu 39′)
Western Sydney Wanderers 3 (Labinot Haliti 28′, 58′ Iacopo La Rocca 88′)
Man of the match: Iacopo La Rocca
Crowd: 6,101
