Wellington Phoenix were unlucky not to get anything out of their Hyundai A-League Round 20 fixture against Sydney FC at Campbelltown Sport Stadium.
Similar to their previous meeting at Westpac Stadium, the Premiers scored a single goal to take all three points as Wellington Phoenix entertained a home game in Sydney.
The first half was a fairly even display, as both teams came close to breaking the deadlock, but both were unable to pull the pin on their opponent.
Roy Krishna nearly found himself the first goal as he was through on goal, but Sydney were alive to it and cleared the danger to avoid conceding.
Phoenix goalkeeper, Filip Kurto, was called into action early on as he made a vital one-handed save to deny the away side.
Dynamic youngster, Sarpreet Singh was the next to have a chance on goal, as he went through on goal, but his shot lacked power and Andrew Redmayne caught it and smothered the danger.
Hyundai A-League top goal scorer, Adam Le Fondre was lively up front and threatened to make a further claim for the golden boot. A through ball came to the striker inside the box but he blazed over from 12-yards out.
Wellington Phoenix thought they had taken the lead, as a deflected Mandi Sosa shot came to Michal Kopczyński who side-footed into the back of the net. Upset followed however, as the linesman flagged for offside and the goal was disallowed.
Moments later, Sydney FC countered and despite making a heroic block to deny Sydney the lead, Dylan Fox went down with a serious injury and was replaced by Ryan Lowry.
The first half ended all square at 0-0 despite both teams coming close.
The second half started with the pace of the first half, with end to end action and both teams threatening the lead.
David Williams was lively down the left wing and scored a cracker of a goal from outside the Sydney box, only for the linesman to again flag for offside and deny the Australian, a fantastic goal.
Minutes later and Sydney found themselves with the lead as Filip Kurto brought down substitute Alex Brosque. Le Fondre then stepped up and drilled home to give his side the lead, 1-0.
Despite several late chances to equalise, Wellington Phoenix could’t find their breakthrough as Sydney FC defended well and held on to grab all three points.
Full highlights here.
FULL TIME | Despite promising attacks from #Nix late on, @SydneyFC see out the game to earn all three points here at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.#StandUpWithYourNix #CreateHistory #WELvSYD pic.twitter.com/IPNzoUf50l
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) February 23, 2019
Starting XI
1. Filip KURTO, 4. Mandi SOSA, 6. Dylan FOX, 11. David WILLIAMS, 13. Liberato CACACE,14. Alex RUFER, 15. Michal KOPCZYNSKI, 16. Louis FENTON, 18. Sarpreet SINGH, 21. Roy KRISHNA, 22. Andrew DURANTE.
Wellington Phoenix Substitutes
33’ OFF 6. Dylan FOX ON 5. Ryan LOWRY
55’ OFF 18. Sarpreet SINGH ON 7. Cillian SHERIDAN
72’ OFF 4. Mandi SOSA ON 23. Max BURGESS
Sydney FC Substitutions
62’ OFF 16. Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD ON. 14 Alex BROSQUE
86’ OFF 17. Anthony CACERES ON 11. Daniel DE SILVA
Next Match details
Central Coast Mariners vs. Wellington Phoenix, Saturday 9th March 2019, Central Coast Stadium, 7:50pm NZT
