Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka believes his side’s victory over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium could be the catalyst for a strong finals run.
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka believes Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium could be the catalyst for a strong finals run.
With a place in the finals looking shaky following a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Newcastle Jets two weeks ago, Sydney has since recorded back-to-back victories to re-ignite a late season charge.
The 2-1 win over Adelaide on Sunday saw the Sky Blues leap frog Newcastle and solidify their spot in the top six only four points shy of Perth Glory in third.
In a dour affair with Adelaide, Sydney young gun Joel Chianese scored his first goal for the inaugural Hyundai A-League champions to break the deadlock before fellow youth team talent Mitchell Mallia snatched victory late with a calm finish after Fabian Barbiero had equalised for the Reds.
Lavicka admitted his side stole the victory but was delighted with three important points against a fellow finals contender.
“We knew before the game that it was a very important to win for both sides and we wanted to back up the win from last weekend at home against Perth,” Lavicka said.
“First half we mostly controlled the game and scored a nice goal late but in the second half Adelaide improved very well, squeezed us and pushed up and we were a bit lucky to win because they created chances and were very close to scoring.
“Our goalkeeper Ivan Necevski made some good saves to keep us alive and all the boys worked very hard on the park.
“Luck came to us tonight but the boys still worked very hard as a team.”
Sydney captain Terry McFlynn also acknowledge the fortune his side received but felt it was warranted given the hard work and courage the Sky Blues have shown this season.
“At times luck wasn-t with us this year but I believe the harder you practice the luckier you get,” McFlynn said.
“We’ve never pointed fingers at this club, we’ve never looked to blame anyone – it’s always been a collective effort.”
“Things haven-t gone our way and we’ve gone back to the training ground and worked hard and I think now you’re seeing the rewards for the hard work we are putting in.”
“We dominated the first half however in the second half the crowd lifted Adelaide a lot and they really got on top, but we stuck together and believed in what we were doing as we have done all season.
“It wasn-t probably the prettiest game of football we had to win but when you have two teams fighting for their lives to get into sixth it’s just about who’s bravest enough to go and take the three points.”
“Courage is one of the values at the club and it was displayed by everyone Sunday.”
