Sydney FC 3 (Retre 16’, Le Fondre 62’, 90+2’) def. Melbourne City 0
Sydney FC proved they are still the club to beat after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Melbourne City at AAMI Park
Moments That Mattered:
- Retre goal – 16’ – Grant drives the ball into the box to be deftly flicked by Retre between the keeper’s legs.
- Le Fondre chance 45+1’ – great interplay leads to the Englishman getting a shot off but is dealt with well.
- Redmayne save – 41’ – Vidosic heads from close range but Redmayne saves brilliantly.
- Le Fondre goal – 62’- Le Fondre delicately chips over an advancing keeper.
- Le Fondre goal – 90+2’ – Ninkovic’s beautiful back-heel sets up Le Fondre’s second of the night.
Sky Blues midfielder Retre opened the scoring against his former club using the momentum from Grant’s driven cross to redirect through Galekovic’s legs.
Le Fondre threatened to extend throughout with Milos Ninkovic pulling the strings in midfield with the two linking up close to halftime.
It was the English forward who doubled the lead after the hour mark as Retre turned provider, slotting him in behind for Le Fondre to show great composure to finish under pressure.
There was no sign of fatigue in the teams’ third game in less than a week, finishing the stronger with Ninkovic providing a world class assist for Le Fondre’s second.
Corica’s men will look to take their clinical form into their next game against Newcastle Jets away next Saturday night.
What they said:
Adam Le Fondre
“We stuck to our game plan and executed it really well and that’s what we came here to do.
“I think with all the boys I’ve developed a great relationship with the boys. Ninko keeps putting them on a plate for me.”
Paulo Retre: “It was tough after a disappointing loss but showed great character to bounce back today.
“I’m just enjoying my football.
[On his goal] “It happened so quickly and just happy to be on the scoresheet.
“Being part of a successful football club gives you a lot of confidence and the players around.”
Rhyan Grant:
“Yeah they were starting to go. Tough week but we came away with the win so happy days.”
“Ninko was unlucky not to get man of the match I’d say. Him, Brosquey and Wilko look after themselves and did well so we’re all thankful for that.”
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 4. Alex WILKINSON, 5. Jop Van Der LINDEN, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO (2. Aaron CALVER 90+1’), 8. Paulo RETRE, 9. Adam Le FONDRE (11. Danny De SILVA 63’), 10. Milos NINKOVIC, 13. Brandon O’NEILL, 14. Alex BROSQUE (21. Charles LOKOLINGOY 86’), 23. Rhyan GRANT.
Subs Not Used: 20. Aleksander CISAK (GK), 24. Cameron DEVLIN.
Yellow Cards: 13. Brandon O’NEILL 18’
Red Cards: None.
Melbourne City: 18. Eugene GALEKOVIC (GK), 2. Ritchie De LAET, 3. Scott JAMIESON, 4. Harrison DELBRIDGE, 5. Ben SCHENKEVELD, 8. Riley McGREE, 10. Dario VIDOSIC (19. Lachlan WALES 63’), 15. Kearyn BACCUS (7. Rostyn GRIFFITHS 73’), 23. Bruno FORNAROLI, 26. Luke BRATTAN (17. Anthony CACERES 73’), 27. Florin BERENGUER-BHOER
Subs not used: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (GK), 25. Lacopo La ROCCA.
Yellow Cards: 4. Harrison DELBRIDGE 26’, 3. Scott JAMIESON 45’, 8. Riley McGREE 75’
Red Cards: None.
Ground: AAMI Park
Referee: Adam KERSEY
