The player John Kosmina earlier this-season said reminded him of Mark Viduka has sealed Sydney FC an historic come-from-behind victory in its inaugural outing in the National Youth League competition against the Queensland Roar.
The player John Kosmina earlier this-season said reminded him of Mark Viduka has sealed Sydney FC an historic come-from-behind victory in its inaugural outing in the National Youth League competition against the Queensland Roar.
Coming on as a substitute late in the game, Chris Payne proved the difference between the sides, firing home the winner to give Sydney a 2-1 victory in the 75th minute of the match.
After surrendering the lead mid-way through the first half, FC first teamer Adam Biddle levelled up the scores before Payne-s goal 15 minutes from full time saw the home team take all three points.
Queensland had the best of the early exchanges with Timothy Smits’ diving header almost grabbing the lead for the visitors within ten minutes.
As Sydney worked their way into the match, forward Sean Rooney had the home side-s opening chance as he sprayed his strike across the face of goal.
With the contest beginning to open up the Roar pushed the ball through the midfield and when Michael Ryan found Joshua McVey unmarked in the box, the Roar striker got the visitors the lead, rounding Ivan Necevski and rifling the ball into the top of the net.
Down on the scoreboard, FC began to move the ball round with more confidence as former AIS representative Kofi Danning forced a clearance off the line before his strike from outside the box was denied by the crossbar.
Returning from the break a goal down, Sydney came out firing in the second half, creating space up front with Michael Ryan, Rooney and Biddle all failing to capitalise on early opportunities to even up the scores.
As the home side maintained the pressure it was rewarded with an equaliser as Biddle slotted the ball low past Roar keeper Matt Acton midway through the second stanza.
With Queensland beginning to tire, Sydney stepped it up a gear and when Chris Payne latched onto a cross from halfway, the young striker completed the side-s impressive comeback with his late strike taking the home side to what was to be an unassailable 2-1 lead.
Sydney did well to hold off a late Queensland surge and was rewarded with the well earned 2-1 victory.
Having tasted success in their opening match, the young Sky Blues will be looking to continue the winning start to their Youth campaign when they return to the field next Saturday afternoon against Adelaide United.
The game will get underway at 2pm at Sutherland’s Seymour Shaw Park and entry to the ground will be free.
Match Detail
Sydney FC 2
Queensland Roar 1
Sydney FC: 1. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk) (OA) (30. Vedran JANJETOVIC 46-), 2. Rhyan GRANT, 3. Adam Biddle, 4. Chris TRIANTIS (c), 5. Mitchell PRENTICE (OA) (16. Kearyn BACCUS 46-), 7. Robbie MILESKI (18. Anthony MUSUMECI 61-), 8. Anthony GOLEC, 9. Sean ROONEY (6. Chris Payne 61-), 10. Zach CAIRNCROSS, 11. Kofi DANNING, 12. Ibrahim HAYDAR.
Substitutes not used: nil
Yellow Cards: PAYNE 71-.
Red Cards: nil.
Goals: BIDDLE 68-, PAYNE 75-.
Queensland Roar: 1. Matt ACTON (gk), 2. Michael RYAN, 3. Daniel BOWLES, 4. Micthell BEVAN, 6. Sam GALLAWAY, 7. Adam SAROTA, 8. Michael ANGUS (5. Bradley MCDONALD 61-), 9. Tyler THURTELL (14. Isaka CERNAK 58-), 11. Joshua MCVEY, 13. Chris GROSSMAN (10. Luke BRATTEN 46-), 18. Timothy SMITS (OA).
Substitutes not used: nil
Yellow Cards: Angus 22-.
Red Cards: nil.
Goals: McVey 19-.
Referee: Chris Beath
