An early Leena Khamis strike has delivered Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League side its second straight win in a 1-0 result over Newcastle in an entertaining fixture at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday.
In just the fifth minute of play Khamis scored the game’s only goal, firing past Jets custodian Alison Logue following a cross into the box by midfielder Julie Rydahl.
Despite sharing the possession through midfield throughout, the home side was unable to find a way back into the match against its more experienced opponent.
Indeed, it was Sydney’s superior ability in the attacking third that kept the youthful Jets defence on their toes throughout the 90 minutes – the Sky Blues creating many of the better goal scoring opportunities.
In the 18th minute Sydney could have doubled the lead when Linda O’Neill burst into the box. O’Neill-s shot-cum-cross skewed across the face of goal, evading both the onrushing Khamis and the back of the net.
Sydney created further chances through captain Heather Garriock and the speedy Khamis, while Newcastle skipper Hayley Crawford could have drawn her team level on 32 minutes when her volley from inside the box flew high of Nikola Deiter’s cross bar.
Five minutes later Jets striker Emma Stewart had a gilt-edged opportunity to restore parity when she found herself one-on-one with Sydney stopper Deiter. Having robbed defender Danielle Brogan, Stewart dribbled to the edge of the box but her shot under pressure proved tame and was easily claimed by Deiter.
Just before half-time Logue pulled off one of the saves of the Westfield W-League season, palming onto the post a goal0bound Ledbrook volley from outside the area.
A follow up effort from Paaske went wide of Logue’s left post, crucially keeping the Jets just one behind at halftime.
After the break Jets mentor Wayne O’Sullivan chose to empty his bench as Newcastle went in search of its first win and goal of the season.
Defender Stacey Day came off for striker Leia Smith, while Caitlin Jarvie and Bronte Bates also saw time.
Sydney coach Alen Stajcic gave well-earned rests to Linda O’Neill and Kyah Simon, handing opportunities to Catherine Cannulli and Michelle Carney.
And, while the small but vocal crowd of 470 at EnergyAustralia Stadium urged the home team on, it was Sydney which looked more like extending the lead in the second stanza and in the four added minutes determined by referee Kirralee Gardener.
In the end, Khamis early effort proved vital as Sydney secured three crucial competition points and a happy trip home down the F3 freeway.
Newcastle Jets 0
Sydney FC 1 (Khamis 5)
Crowd: 470 at Energy Australia Stadium
