A hat-trick by half-time & 4 by full-time. This 'special' talent just announced himself

Australian football has always had a soft spot for young forwards who play without fear. Awan Lual is quickly becoming the latest.

The 19-year-old produced the performance of his young career on Saturday, scoring four goals as Western Sydney Wanderers demolished rivals Sydney FC 6-0 in one of the most emphatic Sydney derbies in recent memory.

A Lual hat-trick arrived before the break. A fourth followed after it.

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By full-time, the South Sudan-born forward had moved level atop the Golden Boot race with 13 goals for the season, continuing a remarkable rise that included an A-League debut last campaign.

“He’s a special player for this club and for Western Sydney,” said former Wanderers head coach Gary van Egmond.

“His journey is inspiring not just for our younger players, but for the whole community. Awan’s dedication on and off the field embodies everything we stand for at the Wanderers.”

Lachlan Sattout and Alaat Abdul-Rahman were also on target as the Wanderers ran riot at Ilinden Sports Centre.

At the other end of the table, APIA Leichhardt continued to pile pressure on leaders Marconi Stallions.

A dramatic 95th-minute winner from substitute Presley Ortiz secured a 2-1 victory over NWS Spirit and lifted APIA level on points with the league leaders.

Spirit looked on course for all three points when Kaan Nizam opened the scoring early in the second half. But Max Court hauled APIA back into the contest before Ortiz arrived late to steal victory from a Cameron Fong delivery.

Marconi remain top on goal difference after extending their unbeaten run to nine matches with a 1-1 draw against Rockdale Ilinden.

Moudi Najjar struck against the run of play just before half-time before Jack Armson eventually found a way through for the Stallions after sustained second-half pressure.

UNSW FC delivered one of the results of the round, ending Wollongong Wolves' 12-match unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

St George City claimed local bragging rights with a 1-0 derby win over St George FC thanks to Mason Tatafu's long-range strike early in the second half.

Sutherland Sharks continued their climb up the ladder with an impressive 1-0 away win over Sydney United.

Thijs Van Amerongen's first-half goal proved enough, while goalkeeper Danijel Nizic starred as the Sharks absorbed wave after wave of pressure.

The afternoon also marked a milestone for Adrian Vlastelica, who became Sydney United's longest-serving captain.

Elsewhere, Manly United and Blacktown City played out a goalless draw, while Sydney Olympic's clash with SD Raiders was washed out and rescheduled for June 10.