A bad week for the Western Sydney Wanderers got worse on Sunday as they suffered a shock loss to the Wellington Phoenix and missed their chance to return to the top of the A-League table.
Though missing several players the Wanderers were still the favourites to win with Wellington Phoenix out to $8 to win before the match.
The hero of the match was undoubtedly Blake Powell who kicked four goals for the Phoenix before any other player on field had scored.
The Wanderers got two late goals back but a fifth Phoenix goal from Michael McGlinchey off a penalty in the dying minutes of the game secured a 5-2 win for the visitors.
Final score
Western Sydney Wanderers 2
Wellington Phoenix 5
The Western Sydney Wanderers will look to reclaim top spot on the A-League table when they face the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday. Join The Roar for live scores from the match, starting at 5pm AEDT.
The Wanderers finished last week in the A-League sitting equal on points with the Brisbane Roar at the top of the table after they could do no better than a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory, while the Roar smashed the Central Coast Mariners 4-0.
However, this week on Friday night the Roar recorded only a 2-2 draw against the recently resurgent Newcastle Jets, moving them temporarily to the outright top of the table, but within the Wanderers’ grasp.
The Wanderers now have a golden chance to snatch back top spot and all they need to do is record a win over struggling Wellington Phoenix.
The Phoenix are on a four-match losing streak and haven’t a had a win at all since they beat Melbourne Victory 2-0 back in early December.
The Wanderers have been through a difficult week since the controversial flare incident at last week’s draw with Melbourne Victory, however, a match-up against the Phoenix should provide the team with something to be happy about.
The Wanderers have won three and only lost one of their last four home fixtures against the Phoenix.
The Phoenix have been remarkably poor away from home, unable to score more than one goal in an away match since October of 2015, and conceding more goals in away matches this season (21) than any other side except for Central Coast (22).
Prediction: It would be something mightily strange indeed to see anything other than a dominant Wanderers victory on this occasion – this is a mismatch of epic proportions. Wanders to win it 4-0.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match, starting at 5pm AEDT.
marron
Roar Guru
Oh there it is Something else to chalk up to the rbb. Not to do with missing 3 of our most influential players. Not to do with the counter being effective in the heat. Not to do with our continual lack of precision up front. Not to do with some pearlers from Powell. FMD.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Four goals in one game. Archie's effort aside in that the year 2 grand final, I'm wondering whether these four goals are some sort of record.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
So you did - I actually thought you were mucking around.
Qantas & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Absolutely...!
RbbAnonymous
Guest
No excuses. It was an insipid display. For what is worth I though Wellington played very well. Writing this one off, looking fwd to the derby next week.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Well how about that! And some people were bemoaning the fact that there weren't any high profile marquees this season and it was boring. Absolutely wrong!!!!! The tightest and maybe the best HAL season to date. Thrills, spills and controversy on and off the pitch. FFA couldn't have scripted it better ;)
hog
Guest
Well didn't expect that, but nice way to finish the weekend, won't mention the cricket
pete4
Guest
Full time: The Phoenix win 5-2 Who says the A-League is predictable? Much to do for WSW before the Derby next weekend while the Nix will be ecstatic with the 3 points away
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Was thinking that as well. The week was devoted to FFA and sanctions and calling out the stupidity of some RBB fans. And then the CEO got involved and told the fans to get out if that's how they want to behave. A complete distraction. Yes, we know they are professional footballers and have to put this to one side but it can't help.
AGO74
Guest
Serious question - do you think some of this rbb idiocy from this week has affected wsw?
pete4
Guest
Wellington lead 4-1 after 77 mins Mitch Nichols with a response for WSW
football
Guest
the NIX are usually my second team in the A-league. every time the wanderers play the NIX i end up disappointed or amazed by the result. Last season our first win in the season was against the NIX in Penrith. today is clearly no different.
FIUL
Guest
I called it at 2:06 pm on Friday, 12 February 2016. But didn't expect NIX to put in 3. But, people were quick to dismiss .. FIUL said | February 12th 2016 @ 2:06pm | Report comment Don’t normally do tips, but what the heck.. WSW 1-2 NIX
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yeah, that's pretty much how City went against the Jets. We took 'em toooo easy :)
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Paul Wade called it at the start of the game, Nix will win it because Wanderers are missing a couple and they may not be switched on mentally.
pete4
Guest
Half time: Wellington lead 3-0 WSW have had chances but no cutting edge. Looking to be really missing their Spanish duo in midfield Huge turnaround in 2nd half required to turn this result
FIUL
Guest
Got to admit, I never anticipated this... I had predicted WSW 1-2 NIX
Stevo
Roar Rookie
What's happening? Oh ......... Hey Powell, that's 3 quality goals son.
pete4
Guest
WSW with 65% possession in opening 35 mins Powell has been killing them on the counter
pete4
Guest
HAT-TRICK!! Blake Powell again Wellington 3-0 up after 33 mins away from home