Western Sydney Wanderers playmaker Nicolas Martinez has hailed his side’s resilience after overcoming a send-off to beat Central Coast Mariners 4-1 on Saturday.
Having come from a goal down to lead 3-1 early in the second-half, Wanderers needed to dig even deeper when goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson was shown a straight red for clattering into Mariners attacker Trent Buhagiar.
10-man Wanderers down Mariners to snap winless run
The visitors gave up few chances throughout the remainder of the contest before sealing three points through substitute Brendon Santalab.
“We showed that when we have to run and fight we can do it,” Martinez told Fox Sports.
“We had a difficult team to beat and we have to show this attitude in every match.”
Martinez continued his fine start to life in the Hyundai A-League with his second goal of the season in the 31st minute, heading home an pinpoint Mitch Nichols cross.
The victory snaps a six-match winless run for Tony Popovic’s side, who are now two points clear of the Mariners in sixth.
“We got what we needed,” Martinez said.
“The last match [against Brisbane Roar] we played very well but maybe we didn’t have the luck on our side.
“Now it wasn’t luck – we deserve it. We fight, we run and when we had our chances we score.”
