Cornthwaite brace fires Wanderers past Jets

Western Sydney Wanderers have continued their charge towards the Hyundai A-League Finals Series after an emphatic 3-0 win over disappointing Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

Defender Robbie Cornthwaite scored his first goals since his return to the Hyundai A-League with the Wanderers this season, scoring with two bullet headers in either half.

Winger Jaushua Sotirio scored the Wanderers other goal as Tony Popovic’s side made it three straight wins to jump up to fifth on the ladder.

The Jets probably enjoyed the better of the first half before the match swung just before the break as the visitors scored twice in the space of two minutes.

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It was another poor outing from the Jets, who were looking to rebound after their 5-0 loss to Wellington Phoenix last weekend.

Mark Jones’ side has now fallen to ninth on the table ahead of next weekend’s F3 Derby against Central Coast Mariners. 

GOALS

0-1 Wanderers: Robbie Cornthwaite 40’

The ball made its way out to Nico Martinez on the left and he drove into the box before dinking over an excellent cross, which was perfect for Cornthwaite to pounce with a clinical header

0-2 Wanderers: Jaushua Sotirio 42’

Jack Clisby’s lofted free-kick was flicked on by Jumpei Kusukami with the outside of his foot. The ball fell perfectly into Sotirio’s path and his volley was too powerful for keeper Jack Duncan to keep out.

Nico Martinez

0-3 Wanderers: Robbie Cornthwaite 50’

Martinez’s in-swinging corner was met at the far post with another towering header from Cornthwaite which gave Duncan no chance.

KEY MOMENT

The Jets butchered a great chance to take the lead just after the half hour mark when Morten Nordstrand opted to pass to Andrew Nabbout instead of going for goal himself when one-on-one with the keeper. Scott Neville cleared the danger and just a few minutes later the Wanderers went in front at the other end to take control.

CROWD

9380 @ McDonald Jones Stadium

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