Gerald Lynch
Western United’s losing streak has extended to six in the A-League Men’s competition, following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.
United’s lack of aerial presence was evident early on in Gosford, as Mariners defenders Daniel Hall and Brian Kaltak helped themselves to a goal each from corners, giving the home side a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for Western, as Central Coast attacking midfielder Marco Tulio put away a third goal just before the break.
Former Olyroo Alou Kuol came on off the bench late in the game, and capped off a brilliant home team performance with his third goal of the season.
Despite a poor run of form, United coach John Aloisi has previously remained upbeat about his side’s ability to get out of its slump, however this week he labelled the performance “unacceptable”.
“The performance was nowhere near good enough,” he said. “On set pieces we were always second best, we were never in the game.
“We have gone on a bad run of results but the performances have been good… but tonight, it was nowhere near good enough.
“I have to take responsibility, because I’m the coach… but since I’ve been at this football club that’s the worst performance I’ve been involved in.”
A triple-substitution was activated at half time by Aloisi, but he said he wished he could’ve changed more.
“I could’ve changed all 11,” he said. “It had nothing to do with any individual, it was everyone as a whole.”
A dejected Aloisi recognised the situation his side finds itself in, but said sticking to their process is now key to finding a return to form.
“We need to go back to the basics of being able to compete and fire, and having some pride.”
Western United sits last on the table with just three points, earned all the way back in the opening round.
United is now seven points outside of the top six, with the season quickly slipping away.
It returns home this week, with a Friday night at AAMI Park that has been dubbed the ‘Aloisi derby’ awaiting them with John facing his brother Ross Aloisi in the coaches box.
After an international break, Western United women returned to winning ways, with a convincing 3-1 victory away from home over Adelaide United.
A brace from Adriana Taranto saw United take a 2-0 lead halfway through the second half, with a Hannah Keane sealer in injury time ensuring the points came home.
It will be another week on the road for the girls, heading to Newcastle for a Sunday clash.
Gerald Lynch
