Sydney FC winger Robert Stambolziev said he was pleased to score his first goal in Sky Blues colours against the Newcastle Jets in round 26, in what proved to be the winner in a 4-3 thriller at Hunter Stadium.
Stambolziev, who has featured eight times since joining Sydney FC in January, latched on to the end of a Shane Smeltz knock down to prod the ball home for the winner, with the 24 year old saying it’s part of his job to convert those chances from close range.
“It feels good, I was just doing my job,” Stambolziev said.
“I was grateful for Shane Smeltz seeing my run into the box. It was a free kick and I played it quick to Seb on the right wing, then I made a forward run into the box, Smeltz got up high and I thought this could come down here and I was just in the right spot at the right time to put it away.
“I usually want to be amongst the goals, whether it’s creating or scoring them, but most importantly winning the game and getting the three points.”
His strike in the 79th minute ensured the Sky Blues remained second with one game to play, and with Asian Champions League qualification on the horizon Stambolziev said the points on Friday were vital in potentially guiding Sydney FC into next season’s continental competition.
“It [the win] was important too with the much needed points after the Adelaide result that it might get us into the ACL for next season,” he said.
“It’s one of Sydney FC’s objectives and it’s one of our targets that we’ve almost achieved on our way to reaching all our targets for the season.”
The Sky Blues face Wellington Phoenix in the final round of the regular season and Stambolziev is expecting it to be a tough encounter regardless of the previous result that saw Sydney FC ease to a 3-0 win in New Zealand.
“It won’t be like the other time,” he said.
“It’s a new game and they’ll have their internationals this time. They’ll try and play for the second spot looking for the week off in the finals and we’ll be playing for the three points and then we’ll see how it goes from there.”
Sydney FC take on the Wellington Phoenix in the final round of the regular season at Westpac Stadium on Sunday 26 April (kick off 3pm AEST). Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for LIVE match updates or catch the game on Fox Sports 4.
Sydney FC take on English Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in a football classic at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 30 May. Purchase your tickets today for this not to be missed football event!
