Petratos helps Wanderers down the Sky Blues in Sydney derby

Dimitri Petratos of the Wanderers. Photo: AAP /Darren Pateman

By Dimitri Kallos
7 March 2022 11:57am

With the aid of star Dimitri Petratos, Western Sydney earned a huge win in their rivalry clash to extend Sydney FC’s recent woes.

The Wanderers recorded a well-earned derby triumph in the premier fixture of the A-League’s 17th round to take the Sky Blues to five matches winless, a foreign sight for the A-League’s most successful side in recent years.

Western United returned to the top of the ladder after defeating Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side, while Melbourne Victory rediscovered their form with a strong success against Macarthur FC.

Adelaide United ruined Perth’s first game on home soil since November to reclaim third spot while Central Coast found a much-needed three points against Brisbane Roar.

Perth Glory-Adelaide United 1-2

The Reds spoiled Perth’s homecoming to advance back into third position.

Striker Hiroshi Ibusuki met Craig Goodwin’s corner, heading the South Australians into the lead (45+1’) before substitute Mohamed Toure got their second following a strong run and finish which snuck underneath Perth’s veteran keeper, Liam Reddy (59’).

Former Panathinaikos and current Glory marksman Bruno Fornaroli converted what proved to be a consolation penalty in the dying minutes (90+1’).

Jonathan Aspropotamitis played the entire match for Perth.

Western Sydney-Sydney FC 2-0

The Wanderers emerged victorious in the fiery derby to hand their rivals a third consecutive loss, the first time it has happened to Sydney since 2013.

Western Sydney went ahead after Tomer Hemed’s penalty down the middle (37’) which was followed by a Keanu Baccus headed goal from a Dimitri Petratos corner (52’).

The Red and Black club held their rivals goalless to earn an essential three points.

In addition to Petratos, the Wanderers also subbed on Johnny Koutroumbis while Kosta Barbarouses played the first 57 minutes for the Sky Blues.

Sydney coach Steve Corica was left dissatisfied with his team who could not present a real threat during the match.

“They probably had the better chances from the game but we had a lot of ball and a couple of chances but nothing clear cut, so I was disappointed in the performance,” Mr Corica said post-match.

Western United-Newcastle Jets 2-1

A brace from centre half Leo Lacroix spearheaded Western United’s success over Newcastle Jets, reascending to first place in the process.

Lacroix left his mark with two headed goals from corner set-pieces, firstly meeting the corner directly (16’) before scoring again following a scramble in the box, pouncing on the Jets’ failure to clear the ball (52’).

The Novocastrians got one back through midfielder Angus Thurgate (81’) but the Green and Black club were able to protect the result for another three points.

Jerry Skotadis and Savvas Siatravanis came on as subs for Western United and Newcastle respectively.

Central Coast-Brisbane Roar 2-1

The Mariners finally ended their eight-match winless streak with a crucial win over Brisbane.

The Gosford side took the lead following a tidy finish from winger Beni Nkololo (49’) before fellow winger Nicolai Muller’s free-kick (with the help of a headed deflection) made it two (55’).

The Roar found a goal thanks to a header from substitute Juan Lescano (69’) though they could not find an equaliser.

Young forward Damian Tsekenis featured off the bench for Central Coast.

Melbourne Victory-Macarthur FC 3-1

Victory blew past the Bulls to record a second successive win as they look to be getting back to the form which propelled them to the top of the ladder and to the FFA Cup trophy.

The Melbournians found their first after striker Nicholas D’Agostino pounced on an error at the back, converting his one-on-one with goalkeeper Filip Kurto (20’).

D’Agostino got his second of the night towards the completion of the first half (45+2’) following a free-kick before winger Marco Rojas finished off some excellent team play (58’) to take them three ahead.

Macarthur forward Apostolos Giannou managed to bag himself a consolation (90’), scoring the match’s final goal.

The Melbournians fielded Chris Ikonomidis in their starting lineup.

Victory manager Tony Popovic praised his side’s “dominant performance” but reminded that they can be better at finishing teams off.

“We missed some chances to maybe go another two or three goals so that’s something we’ve got to improve. We’re creating the chances but we’ve got to try and put teams away,” Mr Popovic said post-match.

The match between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City was postponed after bad weather had left the pitch unplayable.

A-League Ladder (number of matches played in brackets)

1-Western United: 32 (15)

2-Melbourne City: 29 (16)

3-Adelaide United: 24 (16)

3-Macarthur FC: 22 (14)

5-Melbourne Victory: 21 (13)

6-Sydney FC: 18 (16)

7-Wellington Phoenix: 18 (12)

8-Newcastle Jets: 15 (13)

9-Western Sydney: 15 (14)

10-Central Coast: 14 (13)