Tinkler supported at Knights meeting

Support ... Tinkler received the backing of at least one KMC member on Monday night. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

A member of the Newcastle Knights board that approved Nathan Tinkler's takeover has called for caution over the rising rancour about the NRL club's future.

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The Knights Members Club (KMC) directors and Hunter Sports Group (HSG) met on Monday night, with the former airing concerns about the direction of the club and Tinkler's spiralling debt.

Tinkler's right-hand man, HSG chief executive Troy Palmer, Knights boss Matt Gidley and coach Wayne Bennett addressed the KMC and did their best to allay fears at the meeting.

Palmer and Gidley reinforced their view that a tax bill of approximately $3 million would be paid, all of HSG's creditors would be paid, and that an audit report into the Knights' 2012 financial operations would reveal HSG had met all requirements.

Despite rumblings otherwise, KMC chairman Nicholas Dan wasn't ready to demand Tinkler hand back the NRL licence.

"It's a privately owned club and it's in their hands what happens from here," Dan said on Monday.

It was the first KMC meeting since the tax office moved last week to liquidate eight companies linked to Tinkler, including the Knights, and Newcastle Jets.

Tinkler's public perception problem has become a crisis over the past week, but one man who was sitting on the club's board when the white knight rode into town in 2011 leapt to his defence.

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"It's disappointing that such a great bloke is sitting on hard times," said the board member who did not wish to be named.

"The good thing about him is the one love he has got is for his Knights and the players he's formed a bond with.

"You can pat a horse but it won't talk back to you.

"He'll bounce back and I know the players aren't worried."

Tinkler offloaded his prized racehorse All Too Hard on the weekend, with some suggesting the funds could be used to pay off HSG debts.

Even if the KMC was to make a stand against Tinkler, it's unlikely to happen before an independent audit into HSG's finances, which will examine whether Tinkler has met all obligations in his takeover.

Gidley and Dan agreed in principle last Wednesday to change the audit date from December 15 to January 21.

Brent Perkins, partner of Knights auditors Crosbie Warren Sinclair, noted on Monday the delay had nothing to do with Tinkler's precarious financial situation.

"As the financial reporting year is to 31 December, this (audit) obviously could not be completed and issued for the full year by that date (December 15)," Perkins said.

"We understand that the recently proposed amendments will allow the audit to be completed and our report to be issued by 21 January each year."

Even if HSG makes good on its debt-clearing promise, Dan still has concerns about the club's reputation.

"We're very happy with the way memberships have increased and the money spent on facilities but we've got to look more broadly at the brand,'' Dan told Sky Sports Radio on Monday.

"I firmly believe creditors need to be paid in a timely manner."

Palmer suggested there were issues HSG "should apologise for" but was steadfast the club was in safe hands.

"I talk to Nathan every day ... there is no chance of Nathan going under," Palmer said.

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Shinji keen on extra year out West

Big boost ... Shijni Ono (L) has says he wants to stay longer at the Wanderers. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Western Sydney received another boost in their impressive debut A-League season with news Japanese marquee signing Shinji Ono wants to extend his stay at the club.

Just two days after scoring a dramatic 2-0 derby win over Sydney FC in front of a raucous crowd of 26,000 at Allianz Stadium, the 33-year-old on Monday said flares thrown by Wanderers fans won't hold him back from re-signing.

"I don't know what (the Wanderers) are thinking about next season," said Ono, who penned a one-year deal in September.

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"But I can say I want to stay longer."

Ono was still buzzing from the impressive victory over the Sky Blues and believes it's no fluke the Wanderers have climbed to fourth on the ladder in their inaugural season given their "good mentality and fighting spirit."

And that strong bond will be severely tested over the next four rounds when they face fellow top-five sides Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne Victory and Central Coast.

But Ono says his best is yet to come.

"I think my confidence is getting better every day," he said.

Ono wasn't fazed by flares being thrown onto the ground against the Sydney FC, putting the incidents down to the passion of a crosstown rivalry.

Having played 112 games for Dutch club Feyenoord from 2001-05, Ono says that kind of fan behaviour highlights the intensity of the clash.

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"When I was in the Netherlands, there were big derby games," said Ono of the rivalry amongst the three Rotterdam clubs.

"When I saw that (against Sydney FC) I knew it was a big game."

The attacking midfielder is looking forward to testing himself against a speedy Adelaide United at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night.

"They have a lot of good quality," Ono said of classy Reds including Fabio Ferreira, Jeronimo Neumann, Marcelo Carrusca and Cassio.

"But we have been preparing well.

"It's a tough challenge. But I have a good feeling."

Ono expects more Japanese players will make the move to Australia given his successful stint has created plenty of interest back home.

But one clash that would gain plenty of excitement in Japan is firmly on his radar - the A-League All Stars match against Manchester United next July.

Ono has put his hand up for the All Stars in a battle that could pit him against his compatriot and Red Devils star midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

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Haddin in frame as Test batsman

On the radar ... Haddin has been in sparkling form for NSW this season. Source: News Limited

Australia selectors will consider picking former Test keeper Brad Haddin as a specialist batsman if captain Michael Clarke's injury rules him out of matches in Melbourne or Sydney.

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The 35-year-old, who has controversially been overlooked for Matthew Wade this summer, could be thrown a lifeline if Clarke's hamstring problem stops him playing either of the remaining Tests against Sri Lanka from Boxing Day.

Haddin has averaged 67.40 in the Sheffield Shield for NSW this season and former captain Steve Waugh recently suggested he should be considered for a batsman-only role.

"We'll discuss that tonight (Monday night)," Australia coach Mickey Arthur said.

"That batter, whoever it is, would have to be part of our extended squad. There's possibilities.

"Haddin's one of them, (Rob) Quiney's one of them and certainly Usman Khawaja's very much in the frame.

"Alex Doolan has played well."

Australia will no doubt try to everything they can to get Clarke onto the MCG in a week's time but, if he is prescribed a rest period, vice-captain Shane Watson will almost certainly take over as skipper.

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Former Test No.3 Khawaja has thrived playing for his new state Queensland with a brilliant century on a tough Hobart pitch and three 50s in Shield cricket so far.

Bulls coach Darren Lehmann believes Khawaja has addressed selectors' concerns about his sharpness at the crease and in the field.

Tasmania's Doolan made 161 not out for Australia A against South Africa, while Quiney would be getting a second chance after he made just nine runs in his two matches against the Proteas.

Injuries have decimated what had been a deep pool of fast bowlers, with Ben Hilfenhaus one of seven pacemen who could have been considered.

Selectors are likely to turn to 12th man for Hobart Mitchell Johnson, whose return in Perth after a 12-month absence was encouraging.

Tasmania's Jackson Bird sits atop the leading wicket-takers list for the second straight season and will be considered as back-up along with West Australian Nathan Coulter-Nile.

"All I can say is we've had a list of bowlers leading into our summer, and we're well down the list at the moment," Arthur said.

"The names that have been on everyone's lips are a guy like Jackson Bird, it could be Nathan Coulter-Nile, and that will form part of the discussions."

Complicating matters is a lack of first class cricket while the Big Bash League is completed.

The Sheffield Shield season was suspended at the end of November and the next match won't begin until the end of January.

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Bell, Trott secure England's series win

Super finish ... Bell was unbeaten on 116 when the game was declared a draw. Source: AP

England batted for more than two sessions on day five to secure a draw in the final Test in Nagpur and beat India 2-1 in the series.

4th Test - Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium

13 December 2012 - Day 5, Session 3

England 2nd Innings

I. Bell	116	306	16	1	37.91
J. Root	20	56	1	1	35.71
G. Gambhir	2	0	4	0	2.00

England needed to avoid defeat in the final Test to secure a first series triumph in the country in 27 years.

And the result was never in doubt on the final day as Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell both secured centuries before the players finally shook hands after tea with the tourists on 4-352.

Having resumed in the morning on 3-161, the first hour was always going to dictate how the day would play out, but Trott and Bell remained largely untroubled as they kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Bell, who had looked out of sorts after missing the second Test to return home for the birth of his child, brought up his half-century off 130 balls.

And then Trott, who had found himself at the centre of the action during a fiery fourth day, reached his century off 232 deliveries.

Piyush Chawla came closest to removing Trott in the final overs of the morning session - with a huge appeal after a quicker delivery held its line and struck the Warwickshire man on the back pad, however umpire Rod Tucker was unmoved.

It was more of the same in the afternoon session until Trott was finally out five overs before tea, tickling Ravi Ashwin straight into the hands of Virat Kohli at leg slip for 143.

He and Bell had put on 208 for the fourth wicket with Bell adding just 26 runs in the second session to move on to 87 not out, having had one escape on 75 when a fierce cut at Chawla was edged and put down by Virender Sehwag at slip.

He was joined by debutant Joe Root who promptly lofted the ninth ball he faced, from Ashwin, into the stands as England went to tea on 4-310.

They resumed after the break with the only remaining question being whether Bell would reach his 17th Test hundred and his first in India.

It, like the result, was a formalilty in the end and he got there with a leg glance from the 293rd ball he faced, eventually making 116 not out while Root remained on 20 not out before the players called it a day an hour into the final session.

Read more: http://www.skysports.com/cricket/match_report/0,,11066_13370_1,00.html
 

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'A season-defining derby win'

Derby delight ... Bozza heaps praise on Western Sydney Wanderers. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Fox Sports football commentator Mark Bosnich and Melbourne Victory legend Kevin Muscat look at a changing of the guard in Sydney as they review round 11 of the A-League.

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Central Coast Mariners 2 defeated Melbourne Heart 0 at Bluetongue Stadium

Bozza: The Mariners just keep on defying everybody. Graham Arnold takes great delight in telling us his side is flying under the radar, but I'm sorry Arnie, you are the A-League favourites. They are a wonderfully run club and brilliantly coached. They have some superb individuals who don't get the credit they deserve. There's still a long way to go and they'll be mindful that they haven't won the trophy in the past couple of seasons. 

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Perth Glory 3 defeated Newcastle Jets 0 at nib Stadium

Bozza: Perth Glory have a very good squad. Liam Miller is key for them. He was outstanding on Friday night against Newcastle Jets. For them to go one better this year, they'll need to keep him fit and firing all season.

Kevin Muscat: The Jets defender did dive in for the penalty call, and he gave the referee the opportunity to give the penalty. He's gone through him. He had to try and block the shot and was maybe a bit unlucky with the wet pitch.

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Melbourne Victory 1 drew with Brisbane Roar 1 at AAMI Park

Kevin Muscat: For long periods, we created a lot of chances. But we give teams leads too often, then try and catch up. You can't keep giving away goals and trying to play catch up. All in all, we can take that as a very good performance. We'll review the performance and not the result. There are a lot more positives than negatives. Our players have had to adapt and they know what Ange wants. We've scored some goals playing out from the back, which has been particularly enjoyable. We're working hard on our defensive part of the game.

Bozza: The Victory are constantly improving. Ange Postecoglou's philosophy of playing out from the back was perhaps a bit overplayed at the start of the season. They've curtailed that and are looking good. Melbourne Victory's fitness looks very good - don't underestimate the importance of fitness. In terms of their championship credentials, I still think the Victory are contenders. I saw them in pre-season and since then they've gone from strength to strength.

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Sydney FC 0 defeated by Western Sydney Wanderers 2 at Allianz Stadium

Bozza: The Wanderers were marvellous. They were that little bit faster, hungrier and more determined. Their decisions were better. Sydney FC had no answers. I'm very happy for the new boys. To come back and win away from home against your local rivals is a wonderful feeling and one they will treasure for a very long time. The players are playing for Poppa. I see a lot of his style in their play. Every time Wanderers counter-attacked, they countered with a purpose. They looked really dangerous on the break. A fantastic performance and maybe a season-defining one for them. Sydney just weren't at the races - they were tactically outplayed.

Kevin Muscat: I see such a hunger in the Wanderers squad. Tony Popovic has picked up a lot of players that were maybe unwanted at other A-League clubs and they're just churning out the results. Frank is under no illusion as to the difficult task on his hands.He'll go back to work on Monday and focus on getting the players where he needs them to be.

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Adelaide United 3 defeated Wellington Phoenix 1 at Hindmarsh Stadium

Kevin Muscat: If that penalty would have gone in at the end, everyone would have been looking the Phoenix's earlier disallowed goal. Thankfully for the referee, Galekovic made that wonderful save. It was such a borderline decision. It was a very difficult decision. If Paul Ifill had a little bit more awareness he could have cut it back and they would have had a simple tap-in goal. Adelaide have so many attacking options in the final third. Marcelo Carrusca of late has been wonderful, linking the midfield and attack. He's added great direction in that area for the Reds.

Bozza: There was some really bad defending from the Phoenix in this one. In saying that, a lot of a credit must go to Wellington because a lot of other teams would have thrown it in. They kept going and going and going. Wellington have left their run too late again, just like against the Victory a few weeks back. The coaching staff would be wondering why they can't play like that for the first 20 minutes.

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Scorchers stop the rot with easy win

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Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The Sydney Sixers' golden Twenty20 run came to an abrupt end on Sunday as the Perth Scorchers began their road to recovery by cruising to victory in the Big Bash League grand final rematch at the SCG.

T20 - Sydney Cricket Ground

16 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Scorchers 1st Innings

H. Cartwright	5	6	0	0	83.33
S. Katich	8	4	0	1	200
L. Feldman	3.2	0	13	1	3.90

In a game where anything can happen, the Sixers' 12-match winning streak was something to behold.

But Sunday's seven-wicket loss proved even the world's best can have a shocker in the T20 form, as the Sixers suffered a devastating early collapse before turning in a sloppy effort in the field defending their modest total of 9-113.

Led by a 51-run opening stand by Herschelle Gibbs (40 from 42) and Shaun Marsh, the Scorchers chased down the total with four balls remaining to record their first win of the season and get themselves off the bottom of the ladder.

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Things got a little tight for the Scorchers towards the end, until captain Simon Katich came to the crease with his side needing 12 from 12 and smashed a six off the first ball he faced.

Since the Sixers beat Perth in last summer's BBL grand final, the Sydney-siders went from strength to strength to be crowned Champions League kings in October.

The Scorchers on the other hand made headlines for all the wrong reasons in the tournament held in South Africa - failing to get out of the group stage and finding themselves embroiled in off-field controversy after an alcohol-fuelled night out.

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Perth promised to make things right in the BBL and Sunday's breakthrough win after back-to-back losses to open the tournament proved the West Australians cared about restoring pride.

It's Justin Langer's first win as coach since taking over as Warriors and Scorchers mentor in mid-November.

Just four nights ago the Scorchers were skittled for a BBL-low 69 in an emphatic, albeit controversial loss to the Melbourne Stars in Perth.

But this time it was their turn to decimate an opposition, as they left the Sixers reeling for 5-18 and 6-28, before allowing the tail to score 42 runs from the final five overs.

The Scorchers' triumph after winning the toss meant the chasing team has now won nine out of nine times this BBL season.

Alfonso Thomas, Michael Beer and Hilton Cartwright took two wickets each for the Scorchers, with Brad Haddin (10) the only batsman out of Sydney's top six to reach double figures.

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Save of the Week - round 11

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Outstanding ... Galekovic's penalty save was a brilliant piece of goalkeeping. Source:News Limited

Adelaide United skipper Eugene Galekovic confirmed his place as one of the A-League's finest goalkeepers on Sunday with a superb save against Wellington.

The Reds had the game in the bag at 3-1 when the Phoenix were awarded a penalty just moments before the final whistle.

Teenager Tyler Boyd stepped up to the penalty spot and fired his shot to Galekovic's right, the Reds shot-stopper thrusting his hand above his head to block the attempt.

And Galekovic's brilliant effort didn't end there as he returned to his feet to block Boyd's second attempt on the rebound.

Fox Sports football commentator Mark Bosnich paid tribute to Galekovic while awarding him his Save of the Week for round 11.

"Outstanding," Bosnich said of Galekovic's effort.

"It's very, very difficult to change your direction in terms of the height that you dive.

"You have to decide as a goalkeeper when you're facing a penalty whether you're going to dive low or a little bit high.

"He decided to go low and halfway through realised he had to put up his left hand and not only that … the agility he showed in getting up."

The former Socceroos keeper said Galekovic's save will have given the Reds some extra confidence ahead of next week's battle with the in-form Western Sydney Wanderers.

"You saw the reaction from his teammates – it fills you with so much confidence as a team when you've got a great goalkeeper behind you," Bosnich said.

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England close in on famous victory

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Solid ... Jonathan Trott put England in a strong position on day four. Source:AAP

England are on the brink of securing a famous Test series victory on Indian soil after reaching stumps well-placed on 3-161 on day four in Nagpur - an overall lead of 165.

Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell kept India at bay throughout the majority of the evening session and time is quickly running out for the hosts to force the victory they need to square the four-match series.

4th Test - Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium

13 December 2012 - Day 4, Session 3

England 2nd Innings

J. Trott	66	153	9	0	43.14
I. Bell	24	67	4	0	35.82
P. Ojha	23	10	39	1	1.70

If they fail to do so, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni may well rue a baffling morning session on the penultimate day which saw India add just 29 runs in over an hour before declaring on 9-326 still four runs adrift of England's first-innings total.

At no great rush, England then began adding to their advantage, with openers Alastair Cook and Nick Compton sharing a 48-run partnership before both fell in controversial circumstances in the afternoon session.

Not for the first time in the match, Cook was left perplexed when umpire Kumar Dharmasena gave him out with evidence suggesting he should not have been.

Ravi Ashwin was the beneficiary on this occasion with Dhoni claiming a thin edge behind the stumps.

Compton also fell to spin, however he too could count himself unlucky after appearing to get an inside edge on to the ball before he was adjudged lbw to Pragyan Ojha in the last passage of play before tea.

Kevin Pietersen was undone by left-arm spin yet again after the break, inexplicably leaving a straight ball from Ravindra Jadeja, which crashed into off

Trott, who survived a huge caught behind appeal from Ishant Sharma when on 43, is unbeaten on 66 and will resume alongside Bell (24no) with the second new ball due in one over's time.

Despite still trailing by four first-innings runs, India captain Dhoni had earlier declared after a dull opening hour on day four, where his team added just 29 runs.

Not a single boundary was scored by India, who showed little intent to score quickly, while England were more than content to let them take time out of the game.

Ashwin (29 no) continually turned down runs, while Monty Panesar (1-81) could barely muster the enthusiasm to celebrate when he bowled Ojha for three.

Read more: http://www.skysports.com/cricket/match_report/0,,11066_13370_1,00.html

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Aussies take control on day two

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Dismissed ... Siddle takes the key scalp of Sangakkara. Source:AAP

Sri Lanka have collapsed to 4-87 with their two superstar batsmen already in the sheds after Australia dominated day two of the first Test in Hobart on Saturday.

1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Sri Lanka 1st Innings

T. Dilshan	50	85	8	0	58.82
T. Samaraweer...	7	20	0	0	35
N. Lyon	2.1	2	0	1	0.00

The ultra-consistent `Mr Cricket' Mike Hussey was the backbone of Australia's 5-450 declared, finishing unbeaten on 115 after skipper Michael Clarke made 74.

Returning to full fitness and growing in confidence, Tasmania's swing specialist Ben Hilfenhaus removed Sri Lankan second-gamer Dimuth Karunaratne caught behind for 14.

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Pace spearhead Peter Siddle claimed the key wicket of Kumar Sangakkara caught in the gully by Hussey for four.

But the biggest blow to Sri Lanka's hopes of a first-innings lead came with the score on 70 when their alltime leading runscorer Mahela Jayawardene was lbw to Shane Watson for 12.

Skipper Jayawardene immediately referred the decision to the third umpire but replays showed the ball was on line.

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has played a typically aggressive knock of 50 not out including eight fours.

However on the last ball of the day Dilshan lost his fourth batting partner as spinner Nathan Lyon claimed the wicket of Thilan Samaraweera caught behind for seven.peHussey's hundred was his 19th and third in four home Tests this summer.

The 37-year-old has developed a fondness for Sri Lankan bowling attacks, reaching three figures five times in six Tests.

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For once it was Hussey who overshadowed Clarke, who was caught at first slip off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga in the third over of the day.

The in-form Clarke leads all runscorers in Tests in 2012 with 1432 at a staggering average of 102.28.

Clarke and Hussey added 106 for the fifth wicket before Hussey and Matthew Wade (68 not out) shared an unbroken partnership of 146.

Hussey was dropped at deep mid-wicket on 96 as Angelo Mathews fumbled the chance and watched in horror as the ball rolled over the rope to hand Hussey his fourth hundred of 2012.

The West Australian hit eight fours and one six from 184 balls in a brilliant display.

Play will start 30 minutes early at 10am on Sunday following a series of rain interruptions on Saturday.

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Wanderers exact derby revenge

Sweet revenge ... Beauchamp scores the winner against his old club. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Western Sydney turned the tables on cross-town rivals Sydney FC with a classy 2-0 win in their A-League derby at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

After losing 1-0 at home in the first clash between the sides in October, the Wanderers always looked in control as they sealed a sweet maiden derby triumph in front of 26,176 fans.

Goals in either half to Ethiopian-born midfielder Youssouf Hersi and captain Michael Beauchamp ensured the Wanderers climbed up to fourth spot and continued a superb debut season.

The Sky Blues remain last after failing to build on a valuable win away to Wellington last week.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	11	8	2	1	13	26
2	Adelaide	10	7	1	2	8	22
3	Victory	11	5	2	4	-3	17
4	Western Sydney	11	5	1	5	0	16
5	Perth	11	4	2	5	2	14
6	Newcastle	11	4	1	6	-8	13
7	Wellington	10	3	3	4	1	12
8	Heart	11	3	3	5	-2	12
9	Brisbane	11	3	2	6	0	11
10	Sydney	11	3	1	7	-11	10

They welcomed back Brett Emerton and Terry Antonis from Socceroos duty but marquee star Alessandro Del Piero started on the bench as he continues to battle a troublesome hamstring.

The Italian striker came on with 20 minutes to go but had little impact as the Sky Blues struggled to penetrate a well-organised Western Sydney defence.

The early stages were evenly contested but the Wanderers quickly began causing problems for Sydney's defence.

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Mateo Poljak was allowed space to shoot in the eighth minute but his effort went just wide.

Lacopo La Rocca also wasted a good chance before Shinji Ono came close with an ambitious volley in the 17th minute.

Western Sydney continued to mount pressure and capitalised when Hersi struck his first A-League goal in the 24th minute.

Sydney defender Seb Ryall failed to clear a dangerous Jerome Polenz cross and Hersi showed great composure to turn and score from close range.

Ono almost doubled the advantage six minutes later with a curling, long-range effort floating just wide.

Sydney created little in attack with Adam Griffiths wasting their best chance of the half, hitting a header wide from Jason Culina's 33rd minute free kick.

Sky Blues coach Frank Farina injected Ali Abbas off the bench midway through the second half but the home fans got the substitution they wanted when Del Piero replaced Culina in the 70th minute.

However it failed to halt the Wanderers, who doubled their advantage seven minutes later.

Sydney were again punished for failing to clear, with Ono's cross finding its way to Beauchamp on the back post and the former Sky Blues defender smashed it into the roof of the net.

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