Western Sydney Wanderers have gone three points clear at the top of the A-League table with a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar.
After a competitive opening, Brisbane had the first opportunity of note when Matt McKay curled the ball marginally wide of the post, but just before the half-hour mark, Wanderers went in front when Romeo Castelen set up Mark Bridge, who scored with the aid of a deflection.
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However, it took Brisbane just seven minutes to get back on level terms as Jamie Maclaren latched on to a pass from Thomas Broich before clipping the ball into the net.
After an entertaining first 45 minutes, the second half took a while to get going, with McKay the only player to threaten a goal before the hour mark.
With top spot at stake, it was Brisbane who continued to push forward, but the ball was not falling for them in and around the box and Wanderers were able to survive.
However, against the run of the play, the home side secured the three points with 11 minutes remaining as Mitch Nichols curled the ball into the corner from 20 yards to help his team move clear of the chasing pack.
Darren Plant
