Sky Blues again too good for Wanderers in derby 4-2

Anas Waheem’s second-half masterclass led the A-League men to a 4-2 win over Western Sydney, helping Sydney FC remain the top team in the Harbor City.

German midfielder Wahim scored a goal and provided two assists from the bench to help the Sky Blues defeat their opponents in a thrilling Unite Round match in front of 30,777 fans at the Allianz Stadium.

With the scores level, Waheem gave Jordan Courtney-Perkins the lead with a classy 48th-minute free kick to give his side the lead on Saturday night.

A poor tackle by Anthony Pantazopoulos on Sydney captain Ryan Grant in the penalty area opened up the opportunity for Waheem to accumulate pain in the 54th.

Marcus Antonsson breathed some life into the Wanderers from a corner in the 78th, but a goal from Sky Blues marksman Patrik Klimala five minutes later thwarted the comeback.

Sydney youngster Jayden Kucharski scored in stoppage time but it was disallowed after Thiago Quintal was found to have fouled Jack Gleasby early in the game.

At the end of the round, the Sky Blues could finish in the top six with three wins and two draws. Meanwhile, Wanderers (four points) remain tenth after suffering their fourth derby defeat in a row.

Joe Lolley announced his return from a groin injury by scoring the first goal in the 33rd minute.

Young midfielder Adrian Segecic beat out 194cm Wanderers defender Jung Tae-wook to become Klimala’s player.

The Polish striker’s attempt was thwarted, but the rebound found its way to Lolly, who easily slotted home.

Lolley celebrated the victory with a golf swing, cheekily hinting at a round of golf with Wanderers rivals Juan Mata and Antonsson ahead of the match.

Players involved in the golf catch-up, including Courtenay-Perkins and former Sydney captain Luke Brattan, were accused of not taking the derby seriously.

But both teams proved their passion for the game late in the first half after Socceroos striker Brandon Borrello fouled Leo Sena.

Egged on by Borrello, Douglas Costa responded by throwing his opponent to the ground, sparking a clash and both receiving yellow cards.

Costa was also returning from injury and playing in his second ALM game after suffering a hamstring problem after the first round.

Zach Sapsford, still wearing his face mask, then equalized in the third minute of first-half stoppage time thanks to a classy pass from Nicholas Milanovic.

Wanderers were determined to make the most of Sapsford’s goal but Waheem, who came into action in Costa’s place early in the second half, had other plans.

Substitute Antonsson missed what could have been a huge opportunity for the Wanderers after intercepting Borello’s pass intended for Mata.

The Spaniard, also a substitute, was in a great position to shoot in the 65th minute but Antonsson misread the situation and passed to Aidan Hammond, who failed to score.