A picturesque Kogarah afternoon was worth the price of admission alone for the near-20,000 fans who crammed into a sun-bathed Jubilee Stadium for Sunday evening’s Big Blue double-header.
Those who came to Sydney’s south for one of the most highly anticipated fixtures on the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League calendars were not to be disappointed.
The match saw three of the Hyundai A-League’s newest heroes in Adam Le Fondre, Ola Toivonen and Keisuke Honda all on the scoresheet in Melbourne Victory’s 2-1 win.
Fans were treated to a thriller of equal measure in the Westfield W-League beforehand, as Natasha Dowie’s hat-trick helped Victory claim a 3-2 triumph over their fierce rivals.
All in all, it made for a fantastic day of football – and here are the highlights!
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Hyundai A-League
The Big Blue always delivers something special in the Hyundai A-League and this was no exception with the capacity crowd treated to an absorbing clash between the two fierce rivals.
The special atmosphere contributed to a cracking contest as defending champions Victory made a big statement with their 2-1 win, a third victory on the bounce for Kevin Muscat’s side.
After goals to Ola Toivonen and Adam Le Fondre had scores level midway through the second half, Keisuke Honda gave the healthy throng of Japanese fans in the crowd with the winner from the penalty spot.
With the Sky Blues to play the majority of their home games at the suburban venue this season, the majority of fans in attendance are sure to come back after an unforgettable day out.
Could not get a more perfect day for it. Let’s go @SydneyFC! ?✊✊✊ #SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs #BigBlue pic.twitter.com/ET1frr6dGq
— Alex Wain (@alexwain) November 25, 2018
Loving this view. Well done @SydneyFC it’s looking a treat. Some travelling support from the @gomvfc faithful also ??#SYDvMVC #BIGBLUE pic.twitter.com/Rg3nllHAyF
— Mal Impiombato (@MalImpiombato) November 25, 2018
This is brilliant. #BigBlue ⚽️??? pic.twitter.com/jDoLuSuh8o
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) November 25, 2018
what a sight ?#BigBlue #ALeague pic.twitter.com/ULDxECkD8l
— Dale (@dale_roots) November 25, 2018
Straight off the plane and off to Kogarah….and it didn’t disappoint. Great day and packed to the brim #aleague #wleague #bigblue pic.twitter.com/xJXh3kRdN9
— Adam Santarossa (@adamsantarossa) November 25, 2018
Westfield W-League
For those that got to Kogarah early on Sunday – and they were there in there thousands – they were treated to a five-goal thriller.
While Victory may have played second fiddle to the Sky Blues in the Westfield W-League in recent seasons, Jeff Hopkins’ side has made a blistering start to the 2018/19 Season and stayed on top of the ladder with an entertaining win.
Striker Natasha Dowie was the star for the visitors, scoring a classy hat-trick, including a sublime strike from a tricky angle to open the scoring early on.
Despite having Angela Beard sent off in the second half – and an unstoppable free-kick from Sydney FC defender Alanna Kennedy late on, Victory held on for a memorable win on the road to kickstart a great day for the club.
Sharp passing with warm ups underway!
The squad is looking good ahead of kick off ?#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs #BigBlue pic.twitter.com/Sh1VFGStA4
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) November 25, 2018
Top shelf day for some @WLeague and @ALeague #BigBlue action at Jubilee Stadium. @SydneyFC’s McFlynn’s offering superb hospitality. #SydneyIsSkyBlue pic.twitter.com/LPJvNSINtZ
— Adam Marsters (@AdamMarsters) November 25, 2018
Name a more iconic mascot.#BigBlue #wleague pic.twitter.com/Kg122iOSOG
— Ann Odong ? (@AnnOdong) November 25, 2018
This is football ?? Well done @SydneyFC & your fans! @ALeague & @WLeague #BigBlue double header pic.twitter.com/NqCJQMJR7y
— Tracey Scott (@traceyscott_13) November 25, 2018
ATTENDANCE: 5,540 this afternoon for the @WLeague #BigBlue! pic.twitter.com/8Sl2lfqzv9
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) November 25, 2018
It really is very nice at the #bigblue. Cracking game at the moment, field is sensational. Currently #SYDvMVC 1-3 but @SydneyFC are pressing pic.twitter.com/6bJpp9PFgr
— Ned Hall (@NedGrandstand) November 25, 2018
First @WLeague game of the season let’s go #ladies #wleague #SydneyIsSkyBlue #football #soccer #welivefootball @SydneyFC #bigblue pic.twitter.com/7K21jcvzmM
— melissa (@melmuscat) November 25, 2018