Wests APIA have produced an impressive second-half performance to secure a commanding 5-2 victory over Avondale FC.
The hosts made an ideal start in their first national league fixture at Lambert Park for 35 years, with Michael Konestabo opening the scoring in the seventh minute after being played through by Rory Jordan.
Avondale responded well, with Keitatsu Kojima heading home an equaliser in the 21st minute after being found unmarked by Harry Van der Saag's cross from the right.
Niyah Joseph, having earlier left the field with a bloodied mouth, put the visitors ahead in the 37th minute, breaking through the defensive line before calmly slotting home from an angle to give Avondale a 2-1 half-time advantage, the striker moving his personal tally to three goals in as many games.
However, the hosts came out firing after the interval, with Seiya Kambayashi producing a spectacular right-footed volley in the 47th minute to restore parity in what will be a goal-of-the-tournament contender.
New signing Marquez Walters then put the hosts back ahead in the 68th minute, capitalising on a defensive error before Jack Stewart extended the advantage with a composed finish in the 84th minute.
20-year old Taye Hedley capped off a dominant second-half display just two minutes later, finishing neatly after being set up to complete the 5-2 result.
Oakleigh Cannons claim shootout bonus point against Bayswater City
Oakleigh Cannons claimed a valuable bonus point after overcoming Bayswater City 4-2 in a penalty shootout, following a hard-fought goalless draw in their Group C encounter in Western Australia.
In a cagey first-half, it was Bayswater who threatened through Chok Dau and Cameron Teece, while Oakleigh also came close through a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded striker Mark Leonard at the back post.
Bayswater continued to press after the interval, with Dau creating another opportunity for Teece, whose header failed to trouble Oakleigh goalkeeper Thomas Manos.
The contest's biggest talking point arrived in the 72nd minute when Bayswater were awarded a penalty after Chris Jackson went to ground chasing a ball through on goal, only for the referee to reverse the decision after consulting with his assistant.
Oakleigh also nearly snatched a late winner in the 77th minute, with a corner drifting onto the frame of the goal before Brodie Boyce headed the rebound wide from close range.
With either side unable to find a breakthrough in regular time, the contest went to penalties to determine the bonus point.
Oakleigh goalkeeper Lachlan Charles, introduced in the 93rd minute specifically for the shootout by head coach Chris Taylor, immediately made his presence felt by saving Declan Hughes' opening attempt.
Bayswater also missed through Oliver La Galia - who fired over the bar, leaving Arion Sulemani to covert Oakleigh's fourth penalty to secure a 4-2 shootout victory.
The result moves the Cannons to within one point of Bayswater at the top of the Group C standings.