Sydney FC’s PlayStation 4 NPL NSW 2 Men’s side made it four consecutive wins as they knocked off league leaders, and previously undefeated Bankstown City Lions, 1-0 at Lambert Park on Saturday night.
With Bankstown led by former Sydney FC and Socceroo defender, Michael Beauchamp, it promised to be a tough and physical encounter and the young Sky Blues did not take a backward step in this regard as they matched their more experienced opponents in the physical battle.
The Sky Blues maintained ball possession and shifted the Lions outfit across the park creating good space in behind the defence but just failing to take advantage of the overloads.
Bai Antoniou found himself in the penalty area but couldn’t pull the trigger before Bankstown City cleared the danger, while Charles Lokolingoy had a great chance in the 24th minute when he was through one on one only to be foiled by a desperate save from the Bankstown keeper.
Sydney FC didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough when just four minutes later Brendan Curtis made a penetrating run from the defence and burst into the opponent’s penalty area.
He unleashed a low drive towards the far post which took a slight defection to find the back of the net and Sydney had a deserved one nil lead which they took the break.
The second half was another tough 45 minute contest but Sydney FC never gave an inch and continued to dominate the play as Bankstown City coach, Leo Carle, tried several changes of formation to get his side back into the game.
Devoid of answers they looked to play the long ball from the back hoping to get over the top of the young Sydney FC backline, however Nicola Kuleski, Patrick Flottmann, George Timotheou and Brendan Curtis stood firm.
Bankstown relied heavily on their set pieces as they sent the tall timber forward at every opportunity but a solid Sydney FC effort and safe hands from keeper Mitchell Evans kept a clean sheet on the night.
Lokolingoy and Araujo had chances to extend the lead following some good build up play but failed to get their shots away before scrambling defence cleared the danger for Bankstown as the full time whistle sounded.
Head coach Rob Stanton was extremely pleased with his charges as the win sees them go equal top on the ladder.
“I said during the week we had to defend well against Bankstown and we did just that” he stated.
“This was our toughest test to date and we stood up to the challenge, it was a very pleasing result and I’m happy for the boys.”
Sydney FC face St George next Saturday night at St George Stadium (Barton Park) Bestic Street, Rockdale (kick off 7pm).
Sydney FC 1 (Brendan Curtis 28′) defeated Bankstown City Lions 0
SFC Line Up: Mitchell Evans; Nicola Kuleski; Patrick Flottmann; George Timotheou; Brendan Curtis; Yianni Spyrakis (C); Daniel Araujo; Chris Zuvela; Bai Antoniou (Max Burgess 74′); Charles Lokolingoy (Aaron Avery 85′); Cristian Gonzalez
Subs Not Used: Duro Dragicevic (GK); Tom Slater; Matt Green
