Sky Blues into fourth after edging Glory

A first half penalty from Kyah Simon was enough for Sydney FC as the Sky Blues overcame 2014 Premiers Perth Glory in an entertaining affair at Lambert Park, Leichhardt on Sunday.

Kyah Simon struck the only goal of the match from 12 yards after Amy Harrison was bundled over in the penalty area in the 14th minute to give the Sky Blues a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

It was an end to end encounter for the full 90 minutes with Leena Khamis flashing a shot wide within the first 60 seconds of the match with Sydney FC on the front foot early.

Sam Kerr, always a threat, troubled the Sky Blues back line time and again with her mazy runs as she flashed the first real effort from the Glory over the bar at the far post after breaking free from her marker midway through the half.

Kerr again caused the Sky Blues trouble as she capitalised on a mistake to charge forward, however Ellyse Perry was across to cover before Bennett rattled the Sydney FC cross bar with the final chance of the half as she tried to lob Michelle Betos from 18 yards.

The Sky Blues were quick out of the blocks following the break with Alanna Kennedy smashing the woodwork with a wicked set piece before Kyah Simon saw a volley blocked inside the area.

Michelle Betos was thrice called into action as she made a string of saves within a 10 minute period to deny May and Kerr as the Glory threw on Caitlin Foord to further push for an equaliser.

Jasmyne Spencer could have made sure of the three points with 15 minutes to play as she saw Mackenzie Arnold deny her three times as the Sky Blues capitalised on Glory’s commitment of players forward.

The Sky Blue defence rallied for the final 10 minutes however and kept the Glory out to record their second win in a row with the three points propelling Sydney FC into fourth place.

Perth Glory next travel to Queensland to face the Brisbane Roar on Sunday 15 November while Sydney FC have the week off with a bye.