A-League: Wellington Phoenix continue their rise, Western Sydney stop the rot

Wellington Phoenix continued their rise up the A-League table with an impressive 3-0 win over Perth Glory on Sunday, before Western Sydney Wanderers ended a difficult run by beating Western United 1-0 in Geelong.

Phoenix were bottom of the pile with just five points last month but have now put together back-to-back wins that suddenly have them looking up towards the play-off spots.

Despite the scoreline, Phoenix spent much of the game under pressure but prevailed thanks to a fine performance from goalkeeper Oli Sail – whose eight saves earned him the man-of-the-match award – and clinical finishing, with Reno Piscopo opening the scoring with a fierce drive from outside the box in the 30th minute.

David Ball made it 2-0 soon after as he turned in James McGarry’s cross and Perth’s hopes of a dramatic turnaround were effectively ended just prior to the hour mark, Ben Waine prodding in from close range.

Clean sheet  Back-to-back wins Solid sideburns @oli_sail wins #POTG #ALeague #WELvPER #Nix pic.twitter.com/sToAaeah9m

— A-League (@ALeague) March 7, 2021

Wellington’s next opponents, Western Sydney, secured their own morale-boosting victory a little later as they climbed up to third.

Jordon Mutch’s first A-League goal in the 57th minute was the difference, as the English midfielder pounced on a defensive mistake and capitalised emphatically.

United were adamant they should have been awarded a late penalty when Simon Cox appeared to drag Besart Berisha to the floor by his shirt.

But much to the Kosovan’s dismay, the decision did not go to a review and Western Sydney held on to end a run of two defeats and a draw in their previous three games.

A first #ALeague goal for Jordon Mutch! 

: @FOXFOOTBALL #WUNvWSW #WSW pic.twitter.com/AZwix5yZZ1

— A-League (@ALeague) March 7, 2021