The Sharks retain their spot in the top six with their 3-0 win. Picture Football NSW

Sutherland Sharks have defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 to retain their spot in the top-six heading into the last third of the season.

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It was a tense opening half hour at Wanderers Football Park, with both sides setting up in compact defensive structures without the ball, limiting chances.

However, in the 38th minute, Sutherland Sharks opened the scoring in this crucial finals clash, with the away side catching out their opponents with a clever press.

After receiving a difficult backpass from Bradley Marszal, Lucas Sinnott attempted a pass, but couldn't find a teammate, with his foot instead rolling over the ball.

Now under heavy pressure from the industrious Richard Shoueki, Sinnott's second attempt could only find the feet of Danny Choi.

From outside the box, the seasoned forward made no mistake, passing the ball calmly into a gaping net to secure the opener for Sutherland.

On the stroke of halftime, the Wanderers created a strong opportunity to level scores, after finding Alaat Abdul-Rahman in behind on the right flank.

The energetic Wanderers forward raced forward, before squaring the ball dangerously across the face of goal, but no teammate was present to connect with the cross.

And just seven minutes into the second half, the Sharks doubled their lead, with Choi scoring once more at Wanderers Football Park.

From deep, goalkeeper Danijel Nizic found the head of Richard Shoueki, who knocked the ball down perfectly into the feet of Nicholas Olsen.

Sutherland's creative hub wasted no time in finding the onrushing Choi in behind, with a brilliant first-time ball.

With just the goalkeeper to beat, Sutherland's forward made no mistake, rolling the ball home to double the visitors lead.

Following the second goal, Sutherland began to control the match, with the hosts struggling to break down a comprehensive, resoute block.

In the 82nd minute, the Wanderers had a strong chance to get back into the match, with an energetic burst from Jesse Cameron down the left flank ending with a perfect ball into the path of Jordan Owusu.

The forward had time to place his shot, but couldn't find the target from inside the box, leaving a strong chance going begging.

In added time, Sutherland made sure of their three points with a clinical counter-attack.

After winning the ball, Olsen received possession from Ryley Hollingdale, before exchanging in an efficient one-two with Tye McGowan to end up in behind.

Racing towards goal, Olsen then cut the ball back perfectly into the path of McGowan, who converted a confident finish into the roof of the net.