The A-League title race is heating up among Victoria’s clubs at the business end of the season, with Western United’s demolition of Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory’s dramatic win over Arthur Papas’ Newcastle Jets bringing both clubs in range of Melbourne City.

The Green and Black club recorded a mammoth victory over Perth to come within five points of the league leaders, while Victory downed the Jets late, despite a debut goal from Greek winger Savvas Siatravanis, to keep their slim title ambitions alive.

Central Coast secured an emphatic win over Wellington to ruin the Phoenix’s homecoming, as Macarthur FC defeated Brisbane to fight their way back into the top six.

Wellington Phoenix-Central Coast 0-4

A perfect team performance by the Mariners ensured there was no fairy tale ending for Wellington on Sunday afternoon in their first game on New Zealand soil this season.

Winger Beni Nkololo provided an expert finish into the bottom right corner for what was an excellent team goal for the Gosford side (25′) before striker Jason Cummings doubled their lead with an easy tap-in header (62′).

Forward Matheus Moresche scored their third just a few minutes later (65′) before substitute Matthew Hatch scored the final goal in the game’s dying moments (90+6′).

Wellington coach Ufuk Talay admitted that, despite the result, it was nice to play in front of their home fans once again.

“It’s nice that they still applauded the boys for the effort and energy they have put in so far this season. We miss them dearly. It was great to come back and play a game but disappointed with the outcome,” Mr Talay said post-match.

Western United-Perth Glory 6-0

Western United decimated the dismal Perth outfit on Saturday evening, with the help of their marksman and former PAOK striker Aleksandar Prijovic, to earn a much-needed win for their premiership ambitions.

Prijovic missed his first scoring opportunity when his penalty was saved by a diving Liam Reddy (22′) but his teammate, Lachlan Wales, popped up with a quickfire double (25′, 27′), the second being a powerful volley from the edge of the box.

Winger Dylan Pierias scored a tap-in (34′) before Wales completed his hat-trick on the verge of half time (45+3′).

Prijovic buried his second spot-kick (52′) to make it five before substitute striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls scored their final goal of the game (83′).

Midfielder Jerry Skotadis played the final ten minutes for Western United.

Newcastle Jets-Melbourne Victory 1-2

A clutch last-minute winner ensured a vital win for Victory over a dejected Jets to keep them still in contention for first place.

Star winger Chris Ikonomidis released striker Nicholas D’Agostino with a through ball, who then finished his one-on-one chance to give the Melbournians an early lead (6′).

An excellent pass from playmaker Daniel Penha allowed Savvas Siatravanis to equalise for the Novocastrians from a similar position (65′), with the Greek scoring his debut goal for the club.

Frontman Francesco Margiotta broke the hearts of the Newcastle faithful, scoring a header to steal all three points at the death (90+3′).

The Jets started Kosta Grozos and the young midfielder came incredibly close to scoring moments into the second half, with his effort kept out by the crossbar.

Victory manager Tony Popovic praised the character shown by his team, managing to earn 14 points in the five matches they have played in the last two weeks.

“What we’re showing is we have a wonderful mentality. When we’re not at our best, we can get a result and when we play very well, we can win,” Mr Popovic said post-match.

Macarthur FC-Brisbane Roar 2-1

The Bulls fought their way to a crucial triumph over Brisbane, ascending again into the top six at the expense of Sydney FC.

Macarthur captain Ulises Davila released a brilliant shot into the bottom right from the edge of the box (44′) before Roar defender Scott Neville equalised from close range following a corner (78′).

The Campbelltown side found a late goal through midfielder Jake McGing to secure a much-needed home success, going one point ahead of the Sky Blues with two games still in hand.

Apostolos Giannou played the first 71 minutes for the Bulls.

Melbourne City, Sydney FC, Adelaide United and Western Sydney did not feature this round on account of City and Sydney’s AFC Champions League commitments.

A-League Ladder (number of matches played)

1-Melbourne City: 46 (24)

2-Western United: 41 (22)

3-Melbourne Victory: 38 (22)

4-Adelaide United: 34 (23)

5-Wellington Phoenix: 33 (22)

6-Macarthur FC: 32 (22)

7-Sydney FC: 31 (24)

8-Central Coast: 30 (22)

9-Newcastle Jets: 25 (21)

10-Western Sydney: 22 (21)

11-Brisbane Roar: 22 (22)

12-Perth Glory: 14 (23)

Round 25 fixtures currently scheduled at time of publication

Macarthur FC-Melbourne Victory: 19.45, Fri 22 Apr

Newcastle Jets-CC Mariners: 19.45, Sat 23 Apr

Wellington Phoenix-WS Wanderers: 13.05, Sun 24 Apr

Adelaide United-Perth Glory: 17.05, Sun 24 Apr