Brendon Santalab scores twice as Western Sydney go top of A-League

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:01 am

SYDNEY -- Western Sydney striker Brendon Santalab tormented Central Coast Mariners again as the Wanderers moved to the top of the A-League with a 4-1 home win over Central Coast on Friday.

In the final regular-season game at Pirtek Stadium before it is knocked down and rebuilt, Santalab scored in each half to give himself four goals in three matches against the Mariners this season.

Santalab, Romeo Castelen, Mitch Nichols and Mark Bridge caused plenty of headaches for debutant Mariners goalkeeper Adam Pearce and his side, who still haven't kept a clean sheet this season.

Wanderers might yet play another game at their home if they finish high enough to host a finals match, but if not they gave their fans in the 14,855 crowd plenty to remember.

Brendon Santalab scored twice in the rout of Central Coast Mariners.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Former Netherlands international Castelen blasted a 20-metre shot into the roof of the net after eight minutes and went close on a number of other occasions.

The Mariners briefly enjoyed parity after Luis Garcia's diving header from a Mitch Austin cross hit the back of the net in the 21st minute.

Santalab restored the home side's lead 15 minutes later when he fired home from close range after Pearce pushed out a Castelen shot.

The Mariners created the odd chance after the break but the Wanderers continued to dominate, racking up a 20 shots to eight.

An unmarked Santalab made it 3-1 when he headed a Scott Neville cross past Pearce in the 52nd minute, and Nichols netted from close range near the end to complete the scoring.

The loss means the Mariners are now certain to record their lowest-ever tally of wins in a season, just three, with one round to go.