Kewell`s farewell game ends in loss to Wanderers

Sydney: Western Sydney Wanderers scored twice in the last nine minutes to defeat Melbourne Heart 3-2 and spoil Harry Kewell`s farewell A-League match in Melbourne on Saturday.

Late goals to Brendon Santalab and Dutchman Youssouf Hersi claimed all three points for the Wanderers to finish second on the final standings and avoid the opening round of the post-season finals next week. Australian international Kewell, 35, the former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray star, had announced this would be his last match after 18 years in the game. The Heart, who will be under new owners next season headed by English Premier League giants Manchester City, looked set to give Kewell a fitting send-off with goals from Dutchman Orlando Engelaar and Jason Hoffman to lead 2-1. But the Wanderers finished strongly to overhaul the Heart with goals from Santalab and Hersi. Defending champions Central Coast Mariners beat Roar 2-0 in Brisbane to finish third in the final standings and with it home advantage in next week`s opening playoffs. The Mariners played with purpose and were good value for their win following first-half goals from Nick Fitzgerald and Anthony Caceres. Melbourne Victory claimed fourth spot and home advantage in the playoffs with a 4-1 win over Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand earlier Saturday. Victory played sparkling football and were always in command after goals from Archie Thompson, James Troisi, Guilherme Finkler and a penalty from Mark Milligan before Phoenix got a stoppage-time consolation goal. Sydney FC get their chance to claim the last spot in the top-six play-offs with at least a point against Perth Glory at home on Sunday.