A double to striker John Aloisi has set-up an epic final round Hyundai A-League blockbuster next Sunday after the Sky Blues beat Perth Glory 3-2 at Parramatta Stadium this evening.
A double to striker John Aloisi has set-up an epic final round Hyundai A-League blockbuster next Sunday after the Sky Blues beat Perth Glory 3-2 at Parramatta Stadium this evening.
In what was a tight affair the Glory pegged back the lead twice before an Aloisi header 87 minutes in – his second goal of the match – saw the Sky Blues leave Parramatta with all three points.
Aloisi-s first came in much more unusual circumstances, with his low strike cleared over the line by a Glory defender. With the clearance finding a gap in the side netting, referee Chris Beath initially called play on, much to the disapproval of the 8,359 supporters present.
Following consultation with his assistant however the goal was awarded, restoring Sydney-s advantage.
“It was a tough game. We probably didn-t play as well as we would have liked but it was exciting for the fans and a massive win for us. It keep our top two hopes alive,” Aloisi said.
“I was happy to get on the scoresheet but it was more important to get the three points.
“It is a massive game next week and we are expecting a huge crowd. The players can-t wait, every footballer wants to play in a big game.”
A tap in to Glory striker Danny McBreen drew the visitors level on 79 minutes managing – like the first half- to undo Sydney-s hard work and advantage on the scoreboard.
Sydney FC were seemingly in control of the first half, having the better of the midfield exchanges and scoring opportunities.Steve Corica was particularly dominant in midfield and was instrumental in setting up numerous attacking forays for the Sky Blues.
In what was a man of the match performance, his presence began to show on the Glory defence 16 minutes in, being brought down just outside the area. The ensuing Karol Kisel free kick, while looking dangerous, curled just wide of the left post.
The skipper was in the action again on 23 minutes as he opened Sydney-s account through a coolly taken penalty that sailed effortlessly through the middle of the net.
The penalty came courtesy of same great lead up work from Alex Brosque, who saw off some close attention to force a despairing save from Aleks Vrteski at the left post.
The ensuing goal mouth scramble saw Shannon Cole taken down, with referee Chris Beath having no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Sydney-s dominance was undone deep into stoppage time however as Wayne Shroj squeezed one past Clint Bolton at the right post, bringing the visitors level going into the break.
The win moves Sydney into second place on the Hyundai A-League ladder, and sets up a mouth watering clash with the Victory next Sunday at the Sydney Football Stadium.
“The team showed great character and it was our experienced players who shone through in the important parts of the game,” Vitezslav Lavicka said.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC-s National Youth League side were defeated 1-0 by Perth Glory at Seymour Shaw Park this afternoon.
A first half strike from Glory player Brent Griffiths in the 40th minute gave Perth the away win.
The match was moved from Parramatta Stadium to Seymour Shaw Park this morning due to constant heavy rain.
Match Details:
Sydney FC: 3 (10. Steve CORICA 24′, 9. John ALOISI 49′, 87′)
Perth Glory: 2 (10. Wayne SHROJ 45’+3′, 2. Daniel McBREEN 79′)
Sydney FC Line-up: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 3. Stephan KELLER, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Karol KISEL, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK (16. Christopher PAYNE 82′), 9. John ALOISI, 10. Steve CORICA (c) (23. Rhyan GRANT 72′), 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN (26. Hayden FOXE 90+1).
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk).
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.
Goals: 10. Steve CORICA 24′, 9. John ALOISI 49′, 87′.
Perth Glory Line-up: 20. Alex VRTESKI (gk), 2. Daniel McBREEN, 3. Jamie COYNE, 4. Andy TODD, 6. Chris COYNE, 10. Wayne SHROJ (5. Jamie HARNWELL 73′), 12. Scot NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 17. Todd HAWARTH (13. Scott BULLOCH 33′), 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 23. Andrija JUKIC (9. Tommy AMPHLETT 60′).
Substitutes Not Used: 30. Alex PEARSON (gk).
Yellow Cards: 14. Steven McGARRY 40′, 20. Aleks VRTESKI 49′, 2. Daniel McBREEN 65′.
Red Cards: Nil.
Goals: 10. Wayne SHROJ 45+3′, 2. Daniel McBREEN 79′.
Referee: Chris BEATH.
Attendence: 8 359 at Parramatta Stadium, Parramatta.
