Noah Botic has underlined his case for a Socceroos call-up, scoring as Western United rocketed to third on the A-League Men ladder with a 3-0 win over Adelaide United.
Botic joined Sydney FC star Joe Lolley (nine goals) at the top of the golden boot standings with a clean finish in the 26th minute at Ironbark Fields on Sunday.
Hiroshi Ibusuki added a second from the penalty spot in the 59th minute before Riku Danzaki sealed all three points in the 88th.
In the process, United (29 points) bounced back from a 2-0 loss to leaders Auckland FC (39 points) and jumped to within two points of the second-placed Reds.
United were celebrating coach John Aloisi’s 100th game at the helm and dominated from the outset, with talented winger Abel Walatee impressing.
It paid off when Matt Grimaldi launched a wonderful crossfield ball to Walatee on the left.
The winger cut the ball back to Ben Garuccio, who cleverly lifted it into the path of Botic to tap home.
Only Adelaide goalkeeper Ethan Cox stopped Western from doubling their lead in a dominant first half, while the visitors’ youngster Harry Crawford hit the side netting in the 34th minute.
Western earned their chance to double their lead when Isaias legged Ibusuki in the area.
The former Adelaide striker made no mistake from the spot.
Riku Danzaki came on in the 71st minute and almost scored straight away, only to be brilliantly denied by Cox.
Adelaide had a rare chance when Amlani Tatu forced Western goalkeeper Matt Sutton into a diving save in the 75th.
The home side sealed victory when Angus Thurgate’s corner deflected out to Garuccio, who switched the play for Jordy Lauton.
The youngster found Danzaki, who turned onto his left and fired a shot that slipped through Cox’s fingers.
Western next take on Central Coast away on Friday while Adelaide travel to Auckland on Saturday.