Australian A-League

Wanderers stretch A-League streak to 10

Western Sydney coach Tony Popovic says the Wanderers' self-belief is reaching new heights as their record winning streak grows and they close in on the A-League minor premiership.

The league newcomers stretched their winning run to 10 with a typically hard-working 3-1 victory over Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Saturday.

Labinot Haliti scored twice and Iacopo Rocca notched a late sealer.

It puts the Wanderers eight points clear of second-placed Central Coast.

If the Mariners don't beat Brisbane Roar on Sunday, the Wanderers will have wrapped up the premiers' plate with two rounds to spare.

If the Mariners do win, Western Sydney can secure the trophy by beating Sydney FC in next Saturday night's derby in Parramatta, where they expect Japanese star Shinji Ono to return from injury.

The Wanderers and Heart were tied 1-1 at halftime, after the Heart's Golgol Mebrahtu levelled the scores with a wonder strike late in the first half.

But the Wanderers dominated the second half and Popovic said it underlined his players' confidence they could win from any position.

"We've had a lot of milestones this year for this club. Each one has made them stronger, believe more," he said.

"There are always periods in games where, when you dominate, you need to take advantage and, when the opposition's on top, you need to get through that period.

"The players are believing more and more with each result."

Popovic said the club wasn't dwelling on how close they were to their first trophy but, if they did claim the premiers' plate, it would mean a lot.

"We in this country love a grand final. We love a finals series," he said.

"But, if after 27 rounds, you're on top then you're a worthy champion."

The Heart remain second last and are almost out of the finals race, but coach John Aloisi said while there was any hope, they would fight.

"We can't give up because that's not in my nature," Aloisi said.