The Mariners will be looking to bounce back next week as they host Western United, hoping for a better result after this heavy defeat. Meanwhile, Western Sydney have moved into the top 3 with a dominant performance and will next face Perth Glory at home, aiming to continue their strong run. Thanks for joining Tribe for this coverage, and stay tuned as the Melbourne derby kicks off very shortly. Until next time, this is Sanil Karan signing off.

As the final whistle blew, the Wanderers could be satisfied with their dominant performance, securing a comfortable victory. The Mariners, on the other hand, were left to reflect on their mistakes, particularly the error from Pavlesic that led to the first goal. The Wanderers were clinical and composed throughout, taking advantage of every opportunity and seeing out the match with ease. It was a commanding display that showed their strength both offensively and defensively, while the Mariners’ struggles were clear across all areas of the pitch.

Despite the scoreline, the Mariners had brief moments where they tried to break forward, but their attempts were largely thwarted by the Wanderers' solid defense and midfield control. Doka and Mauragis had chances to get a goal back, but poor finishing and some excellent defending meant the Mariners couldn’t break through. The Wanderers, on the other hand, were content to manage possession, keeping the ball in midfield and controlling the tempo as the game wound down. The defensive stability from players like Clisby, Pantazopoulos, and Bonetig ensured the Mariners had no real opportunities to challenge their lead.

In the second half, the Mariners made changes in an attempt to stem the tide, but the Wanderers were still dominant. A penalty gave Antonsson a chance to increase his team’s lead after a foul on him in the box by Pavlesic. However, Antonsson’s initial attempt was saved by Pavlesic, only for VAR to rule that the keeper had stepped off his line. With the retake ordered, Antonsson made no mistake, powering the ball past Pavlesic and into the left corner. The Mariners had no answer to the Wanderers’ clinical play and continued to falter in attack, unable to find any rhythm.

The Wanderers took control of the match from the outset, capitalizing on a major mistake from Mariners goalkeeper Pavlesic. A poor clearance from the keeper allowed Sapsford to pounce on the ball and open the scoring with a simple finish. The Wanderers didn’t take their foot off the gas, and their second goal came shortly after. Clisby exchanged passes with Sapsford before finding the back of the net, doubling the Wanderers' advantage. The Mariners struggled to recover from this early setback, and things worsened when Milanovic scored. Pelekanos’ long-range shot deflected off Milanovic and flew into the top right corner, further stretching the Mariners' misery. As the first half came to a close, the Wanderers held a comfortable lead, with little sign of a Mariners comeback.

Mauragis plays a pass forward to Theoharous on the left, who looks to take on defenders. As he tries to make progress, he goes down, appealing for a foul, but the referee signals the other way. The referee rules that Theoharous’ arm made contact with the ball as he fell, giving a free kick to the Wanderers.

Sainsbury picks his head up and plays a lobbed pass towards Doka on the right, looking to launch an attack. However, Gersbach remains calm and composed, tracking the ball well before stepping in to win possession. The Wanderers' defense remains solid, ensuring they can regain control and slow the tempo.

CLOSE! The Wanderers break quickly on the counter as Antonsson is played behind the defensive line on the left. He attempts a cutback for Hammond, who is lurking in the box, but the ball is just out of reach and rolls harmlessly past him.