Sydney FC have moved to outright second on the Hyundai A-League ladder following their 7th win in 8 games after a 1-0 win away to Wellington.
Sydney FC 1 (De Jong 25’) def Wellington Phoenix 0
Sydney FC have moved to outright second on the Hyundai A-League ladder following their 7th win in 8 games after a 1-0 victory in Wellington.
Moments That Mattered:
- Sydney FC Penalty Denied – 8’ – Fenton clearly uses his hand to put the ball out of play but the official and VAR deny the Sky Blues a penalty.
- de Jong Goal – 25’ – Calver stretches and squares O’Neill’s free-kick in the six-yard box for de Jong to tap home.
- De Silva Chance – 70’ – De Silva’s snapshot from an acute angle is just parried away by the Wellington keeper.
- Redmayne Penalty Save – 85’ – More penalty controversy as Taylor and Zullo collide with the penalty decision going Phoenix’s way and upheld by VAR. However Redmayne reads Krishna well and saves his third penalty of the season.
Sydney FC secured a crucial three points in Wellington thanks to a Siem de Jong strike, despite two controversial penalty decisions going against them.
The first occurred when Phoenix winger Louis Fenton appeared to punch the ball out of play having mis-judged its flight in the wind from a corner. Despite a VAR intervention the decision was made not to award the penalty, amid much frustration of the Sky Blues players.
The frustration was alleviated a few minutes later when de Jong struck from close range after Calver had nudged a Brandon O’Neill free kick back across goal and into the Dutchman’s path.
Unfortunately, it was to be the Dutchman’s last action in the game as he received a strong challenge from behind in the act of shooting and was substituted.
Having dominated the first half, Corica’s men produced a defensive masterclass in the second, holding strong with key tackles and stops from the back four throughout.
It worked to perfection until six minutes from time when Wellington defender Stephen Taylor bundled Sky Blues left back Michael Zullo over in a collision and went to ground. Referee Elder ordered a Phoenix penalty and VAR was called upon, but to the disappointment of the Sydney FC players ruled there was no clear and obvious error.
Striker Krishna stepped up and sent the ball to his left but Redmayne was down well to make his third penalty save of the season and ensure all three points.
Sydney FC will quickly turn their attention to traditional rivals Melbourne Victory on Australia Day and a chance to move five points clear in second spot.
What They Said: Steve Corica
“I’m very delighted to come to Wellington and collect all three points.”
“I’m happy with another clean sheet and it was a great penalty save by Redmayne.
“I thought we should have had a penalty in the first half but happy with the three points and looking forward to the Melbourne Victory game on Australia Day.”
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 2. Aaron CALVER, 3. Benjamin WARLAND, 4. Alex WILKINSON, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. Adam LE FONDRE (8. Paulo RETRE 90+1’), 10. Milos NINKOVIC, 13. Brandon O’NEILL, 17. Anthony CACERES (14. Alex BROSQUE 39’), 22. Siem DE JONG (11. Daniel DE SILVA 29’).
Subs Not Used: 20. Aleksander CISAK (GK), 31. Luke IVANOVIC.
Yellow Cards: 10. Milos NINKOVIC 45+5’, 13. Brandon O’NEILL 63’, 14. Alex BROSQUE 84’.
Red Cards: None.
Wellington Phoenix: 1. Filip KURTO (GK), 4. Amando SOSA PENA, 7. Cillian SHERIDAN (11. David WILLIAMS 64’), 9. Nathan BURNS (18. Sarpreet SINGH 54’), 13. Liberato CACACE, 14. Alex FUFER, 15. Michael KOPCZYNSKI, 16. Louis FENTON, 21. Roy KRISHNA, 22. Andrew DURANTE, 27. Steven TAYLOR.
Subs not used: 20. Oliver SAIL (GK), 5. Ryan LOWRY, 19. Thomas DOYLE.
Yellow Cards: 7. Cillian SHERIDAN 32’
Red Cards: None.
Ground: Westpac Stadium
Referee: Daniel Elder
