Sydney FC 2 (Le Fondre 5’, Brosque 52’) def. Western Sydney Wanderers FC 0
Sydney FC has defeated cross-town rivals Western Sydney 2-0 in a blockbuster match at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground.
Moments That Mattered:
- Le Fondre goal – 5’ – Ball falls to the Sky Blue striker who scores on his follow up attempt.
- Brosque goal’ – 52’ – Brosque slides it home after being played in behind by Ninkovic.
- Bonevacia goal disallowed – 59’ – Bonevacia scores but Zullo is fouled in back play and VAR intervens.
- Babbel red card – 60’ – Western Sydney manager is sent off after protesting the VAR decision
- O’Neil goal saving clearance – 82’ – O’Neil gets his head in the way stop a certain goal.
- O’Doherty chance – 82’ – Western Sydney substitute hits the post.
- Riera goal disallowed – 90+4 – Reira heads into the net but is clearly offside.
The wait was short for the first A-League goal at the SCG as Le Fondre kept his composure to follow up on his own shot and tap home to the joy of the Sky Blues faithful.
Sydney FC came closest to extending the lead before half time through captain Brosque on two occasions as the home side went into the break a goal to the good.
The Sky Blues doubled the lead as early in the second half as Ninkovic capitalised on a defensive error playing in Brosque and he hit the ball low and hard past a helpless Janjetovic.
Western Sydney responded quickly before VAR spotted a player in an offside position block Zullo in the lead up. Opposition manager Babel was incensed by the decision and shown red by the official.
Corica’s men held strong for the remainder of the match.
What they said:
Brandon O’Neil:
“It was unreal, the atmosphere was fantastic. It was really special to play at such a historic ground.
“Second half was a bit scrappy but we fought to the end and got the three points.”
Steve Corica:
“Performance was very good. 2-0, clean sheet, defended well in the second half and dominated the first and another win against the Wanderers.
“Danny [De Silva] will be involved in the game on Tuesday. He’s looking good at training and can’t wait to have him back.
[On Ninkovic’s performance] “He’s a quality player. He’s the best in the league. He’s great for the club and enjoying his football.”
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 4. Alex WILKINSON, 5. Jop Van Der LINDEN, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO, 8. Paulo RETRE (24. Cameron DEVLIN 82’), 9. Adam Le FONDRE, 10. Milos NINKOVIC (22. Siem De JONG 67’), 13. Brandon O’NEIL, 14. Alex BROSQUE (21. Charles LOKOLINGOY 75’), 23. Rhyan GRANT.
Subs Not Used: 20. Aleksander CISAK (GK), 2. Aaron CALVER.
Yellow Cards: 23. Rhyan GRANT 34’, 4. Alex WILKINSON 59’
Red Cards: None.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 20. Vedran JANJETOVIC (GK), 4. Joshua RISDON, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 9. Oriol REIRA, 10. Alex BAUMJOHAN (49. Manyiel MAJOK 90+2), 12. Ruon TONGYIK, 16. Jaushua SOTIRIO (11. Bruce KAMAU 59’), 17. Keanu BACCUS, 21. Tarek ELRICH, 22. Rashid MAHAZI (8. Jordan O’DOHERTY 59’), 28. Rolieny BONEVACIA.
Subs not used: 1. Danijel NIZIC (GK), 24. Raul LLORENTE.
Yellow Cards: 4. Joshua RISDON 22’, 22. Rashid MAHAZI 24’, 20. Vedran JANJETOVIC 60’
Red Cards: Marcus BABBEL 60’ (manager)
Ground: Sydney Cricket Ground
Crowd: 30,588
Referee: Chris Beath
