Sydney FC have moved off the bottom of the National Youth League ladder thanks to a well-deserved 2-0 win over Newcastle at Campbelltown Stadium on Wednesday night.
Sydney FC have moved off the bottom of the National Youth League ladder thanks to a well-deserved 2-0 win over Newcastle at Campbelltown Stadium on Wednesday night.
In a match the home side controlled from start to finish, a goal in each half to strikers Justin Hayward and Blake Powell earned Steve Corica’s side the much-needed three points.
The victory sees the young Sky Blues leapfrog Adelaide United to move eight to eight position on the NYL table, just three points behind fifth-placed Perth Glory.
Sydney settled the quicker of the two sides and had the opening goal inside six minutes.
After Hayward was brought down just outside the box, Jared Lum floated in a free kick to the far post which was played back across goal by Powell and after a goal-mouth scramble the ball fell to the feet of Hayward who blasted in from eight metres out.
Despite controlling possession and creating a number of good opportunities, the home side had to wait until the second half to find the second goal and kill the game off.
The pacy Mitchell Spears was the creator this time, making a penetrating run down the right before sending in a pinpoint cross to Powell who placed his glancing header perfectly into the corner of the net.
Sydney continued to create chances in the closing stages and should have enjoyed a much bigger win but for the outstanding form of Jets goalkeeper Jack Duncan.
Sydney skipper Nathan Sherlock was again in strong form for the home side, while Luke Austin was also impressive and Hayward and Powell were a constant threat for the Jets’ defence.
The Sky Blues next meet the Australian Institute of Sport on New Year’s Day, while the Jets aren’t in action until January 4 when they take on the Central Coast.
