Sydney FC have extended their lead at the league’s summit to eight points following a convincing 2-0 win over Adelaide United at a soggy Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
Two goals in two minutes midway through the second stanza was a fair reward for the home side’s enterprise after they were denied a first-half opener by an incorrect offside call.
Alex Brosque and Milos Ninkovic bagged the goals, with the Reds struggling to fashion a reply once their resolute defence was breached.
Instead Sky Blue substitutes Bernie Ibini and Matt Simon threatened in the closing stages with their bustling cameos but Graham Arnold’s side had to be content with the final two goal margin.
The result sees the Sky Blues extend their unbeaten start to the season to 16 matches ahead of next week’s blockbuster Big Blue on Australia Day.
Meanwhile last week’s win over City proved to be a false dawn for the defending champions, with the Reds suffering their tenth loss of the season.
Catch up on all the action at the match centre
GOALS
1-0 Sydney FC: Alex Brosque, 58’
An inviting cross from Rhyan Grant allowed Brosque to charge into the box, connecting with his outstretched left boot to divert the ball past Galekovic and register his ninth goal of the season.
2-0 Sydney FC: Milos Ninkovic, 60’
A long throw from Michael Zullo caused havoc in Adelaide’s box, with the ball eventually falling to the feet of Ninkovic, who had time to take a touch before blazing it into the back of the net.
KEY MOMENT
Filip Holosko thought he’d opened the scoring midway through the first-half when he got on the end of a threaded pass and dispatched the ball past an onrushing Eugene Galekovic. The linemen had raised his flag for offside however, with replays suggesting it was a harsh decision.
OPTA STATS
- Sydney FC have now kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games.
- Adelaide United remain winless on the road this season.
YELLOW CARD
Sky Blues right back Rhyan Grant was lucky to stay on the park following a clumsy studs up challenge on Marcelo Carrusca inside the 20 minute mark. The referee saw fit just to issue a caution, which will still see Grant miss next week’s clash against Victory due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
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