Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has paid tribute to the character of his team as they produced their first come-from-behind win this season by beating the Jets 3-1 in Newcastle to climb back on top of the Hyundai A-League ladder.
Despite starting the Round 24 match strongly, Sydney found itself a goal down when Newcastle skipper Matt Thompson presented a golden opportunity for midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse to slot home in the 33rd minute.
However, Sydney equalised via veteran striker John Aloisi right on the stroke of half-time before snaring the lead in the 49th minute through a wonderful long-range strike from former Novocastrian Stuart Musalik.
Substitute Christopher Payne confirmed Sydney’s first come-from-behind victory under Lavicka’s leadership with his debut goal in stoppage time.
“I have to say I appreciate the character of the team because it was the first time this season we have come back to win the game,” Lavicka said after the match. “It was a very important thing for me and all of our team.”
“I am satisfied with this performance. Because the last home game against the Gold Coast we had a poor performance. We wanted to show our fans that we are a better team than we showed a week ago. We played well today. We played well as a team and individually.”
The Sydney coach agreed Aloisi’s goal in the 45th minute was vital to the end result.
“We started aggressively but on our mistake they punished us,” he said.
“But it was very important that we equalised just before the half-time break. Straight after the half-time break Stuie took an excellent strike and we had the three points – it was very important.”
“The Jets played well. They are a strong team and have a couple of strong players and some skilful players up front but I think we played most of the time we played them very well. I have to say the home game played a good game as well.”
Lavicka acknowledged the contribution of youngsters Rhyan Grant and Payne, who came on midway through the second half at a time when the Jets were mounting a huge effort to work their way back into the match.
The Sydney boss also reserved special praise for the vocal Sydney Cove fans, who turned up in droves to support the Sky Blues and created an electric atmosphere befitting an F3 derby.
“Let me say a big, big thank you and we appreciate the huge support to the Sydney FC supporters, it was fantastic because it was as if we played a home game – they were fantastic,” he said.
“But yes, both young players, he and Rhyan Grant, brought some new energy to the team they co-operate and scored the third goal and brought a stamp for the victory.”
Aloisi had to be substituted at half-time after experiencing hamstring soreness, but in an extra boost to the Sky Blues, the veteran striker has merely been diagnosed with hamstring spasms and should be fit to take on Brisbane this week.
And, the news was also somewhat good for fellow forward Mark Bridge, with physios indicating he should be available for Sydney’s finals campaign after injuring a tendon in his toe. But Bridge will still miss three to four weeks of football leading into the play-offs.
