Summary
Sydney FC 1 (59′ Wilkshire) def. Melbourne City 0
Sydney FC have won the top of the table clash 1-0 in a dominant display away to Melbourne City.
The Sky Blues’ were on top of the opposition for the most part in the first half however, the best chance feel to the home side via a Fitzgerald strike with Redmayne pulling off a world class stop.
It was much of the same in the second half with Sydney dominating possession and chances throughout. The breakthrough and telling goal came from defender Luke Wilkshire, finding the top left of the net after a deep cross from Michael Zullo.
Arnie’s men were strong and resolute in the defence for the remainder of the match and gained a vital three points again in Melbourne.
The win equals the best start by a defending champion side and ensures Sydney will stay at the summit for the week.
Top of the table ???? @SydneyFC
— Gabriella (@Gabriellaaa67) November 3, 2017
What They Said
Graham Arnold: “Melbourne made it very difficult for us with playing eight or nine behind the ball but we spent most of the time in their half. The result was fully deserved.
“We have more threats and out attack is fantastic. When we click we have great fire power up front and all over the pitch.
“Zullo and Wilkshire are great at getting forward and that showed tonight.”
Goals
59’ FINALLY FOR WILKSHIRE – Ninkovic plays a ball out wide to Zullo who finds his cross field counterpart Wilkshire alone at the far post. The Sydney defender makes no mistake, hitting a first time volley into the back of the net.
Key Moments
13’ CHANCE CARNEY – Brilliant build up play by the Sky Blues’ leads to Zullo sending a zipping cross into Carney but he can’t direct his header on target.
27’ LONG DISTANCE STRIKE BOBO – The Sydney no.9 receives the ball with his back to goal before turning, going on a run and dragging his effort just wide of the left hand post.
35’ AMAZING SAVE REDMAYNE – Fitzgerald receives the ball on the edge of the box and makes room for a great strike on goal but the save from Sydney’s custodian is even better, stretching down to his bottom left to stop a certain goal. Save of the season thus far.
49’ HEADER NINKOVIC – Carney swings a free-kick into the box which is meet by Wilkinson who nods it on for Ninkovic but the Sky Blues’ playmaker can’t generate enough power to trouble Galekovic.
58’ HEADER NINKOVIC – In swinging ball from Wilkshire finds Ninkovic in the box who flicks the ball with his head whilst facing the other way but the City keeper plucks it out of the air.
79’ BRILLIANT KEEPING REDMAYNE – Kamau is played in behind for City and hits a strong shot on goal only for Redmayne to not only stop but keep a hold of and keep in play.
91’ LAST DITCH HEADER BUIJS – Fitzgerald find some room on the by line to send a dangerous cross into the Sydney area. Buijs reads it brilliantly to see out the danger with a great headed clearance.
Well done tonight @SydneyFC Great goal from Wilkshire, good keeping from Redmayne and solid defence. Well done lads! #SydneyIsSkyBlue
— Andrew Nyman (@Anyman) November 3, 2017
Team News
Sydney FC 1 (59′ Wilkshire) def. Melbourne City 0
Ground: AAMI Park
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 4. Alex WILKINSON, 5. Jordy BUIJS, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. BOBÔ, 10. Milos NINKOVIC (8. Paulo RETRE 92’), 13. Brandon O’NEILL, 14. Alex BROSQUE (18. Matt SIMON 81’), 17. David CARNEY, 26. Luke WILKSHIRE.
Subs Not Used: 30. Thomas HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 16. Anthony KALIK, 22. Seb RYALL.
Yellow Cards: 26. Luke WILKSHIRE 77’, 7. Michael ZULLO 83’
Red Cards: None.
Melbourne City: 18. Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT (9. Marcelo CARRUSCA 75’), 5. Bart SCHENKEVELD, 7. Nick FITZGERALD, 11. Bruce KAMAU, 13. Stefan MAUK, 17. Tim CAHILL (27. Marcin BUDZINSKI 24’), 22. Michael JAKOBSEN, 25. Lacopo LA ROCCA, 26. Luke BRATTAN (8. Neil KILKENNY 75’), 44. Ross McCORMACK
Subs Not Used: 1. Dean BOUZANIS (gk), 21. Ruon TONGYIK,
Yellow Cards: 7. Nick FITZGERALD 40’, 11. Bruce KAMAU 72’,
Red Cards: None.
2017/18 Sydney FC Memberships available NOW. Full Season Memberships available from $270 for Adults and $630 for families, or if you can’t commit to all games non-ticketed Memberships from $75! Become a Sky Blue Member today – CLICK HERE
