Sydney FC are still alive in the race to the finals after a 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Friday night’s Sydney Derby at Marconi Stadium.
The Sky Blues’ incredible record in recent derbies rolled on thanks to the 2-0 win; Western Sydney last beat their crosstown rivals in December 2019, and in the 11 meetings since, they have failed to score a single goal in 10 defeats and one goalless draw.
Mackenzie Hawkesby opened the scoring from the penalty spot at Marconi Stadium before 17-year-old Indiana Dos Santos made history in the second half, becoming the youngest-ever Sydney Derby goalscorer in the Ninja A-League.
The Sky Blues sat at the foot of the table after 17 rounds but four wins in five games have seen the reigning champions catapult into finals contention; Ante Juric’s side now sit just three points behind sixth-placed Brisbane Roar – but still need plenty of favourable results through the last three rounds of the season to make their move from ninth into the top six.
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The first chance of the game fell to Sydney FC teenager Indiana Dos Santos, whose powerful shot from the edge of the box was comfortably saved by Sham Khamis in goal for the Wanderers.
After a cagey first half-hour at Marconi Stadium, Dos Santos was at it again with another strike from range, but the powerful effort skewed just wide of the top-right corner.
But in a first half bereft of genuine chances, the game finally had its first goal just before half-time after a penalty was awarded to the Sky Blues.
Maddie Caspers’ touch in the box led to a handball from Wanderers captain Amy Harrison, and Mackenzie Hawkesby stepped up to the spot to put the visitors on top at the break.
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Wanderers head coach Geoff Abrahams brought Bronte Trew off his bench for the second half in search of an attacking impetus and just eight minutes into her substitute appearance, the 22-year-old was presented with her side’s best chance of the game.
Her poked attempt toward the bottom-right corner was on target but Sydney keeper Jasmine Black produced a fine save to keep her clean sheet intact.
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The Sky Blues made two changes of their own before the hour mark with Princess Ibini and Millie Farrow coming off the bench and the latter played a crucial role in helping the visitors double the advantage.
Hawkesby forced a turnover high up the pitch as the Wanderers attempted to play out from the back and the loose ball fell invitingly to Farrow, who set up Dos Santos to make it 2-0 and become the youngest goalscorer in the history of Ninja A-League Sydney Derbies.
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