Sky Blues settle for draw with Mariners

Sunday, 17 February 2019:

ADAM LE FONDRE of Sydney FC is challenged by Tarek Elrich of the Wanderers during the FFA Cup match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC at Panthers Stadium on in Penrith, Australia
ADAM LE FONDRE of Sydney FC is challenged by Tarek Elrich of the Wanderers during the FFA Cup match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC at Panthers Stadium on in Penrith, Australia


Sydney FC are slowly fading away in the race for the premier's plate after being forced to settle for a 1-1 A-League draw with last-placed Central Coast.

A clutch second-half penalty from Adam Le Fondre saved the Sky Blues on Sunday after Aiden O'Neill's composed first-half strike had looked to be the difference.

The result leaves a stuttering Sydney FC in third spot, 10 points behind ladder leaders Perth with just eight games remaining in the season.

A healthy crowd of 12,188 filled Leichhardt Oval for the first A-League fixture at the venue, but they were left wanting plenty from their temporary tenants.

The numbers showed it was a one-way show.

The Sky Blues enjoyed 62 per cent possession, 63 per cent territory, quadrupled the Mariners' five shots on goal and played 51 balls in the box compared to 14.

But in the end, they were forced to settle for a share of the points, a week after collapsing against lowly Brisbane.

Sydney FC coach Steve Corica admitted being disappointed in his team's finishing, but was otherwise satisfied with their display.

"I was happy with the performance. It was very good. We dominated from the start and we had chances," he said.

"The only thing I'm disappointed in was we didn't score more goals because, first half, they had one chance and they scored against the run of play."

Mariners coach Mike Mulvey made four changes to his side in another desperate attempt to salvage some pride from their season.

And the early signs weren't positive, with Brandon O'Neill and Milos Ninkovic both having sights on goal, including one that clattered the woodwork.

However, the visitors were rewarded for their resolve when O'Neill speared home from outside the box just before halftime.

Sydney FC would've felt confident of getting back into the game, having fought back from behind twice already this season against the Mariners.

And all indications pointed to a comeback in the second, when they continued to dominate possession only to let themselves down with poor crossing.

An opportunity to storm home presented itself when Alex Brosque was brought down in the box by Jem Karacan, and Le Fondre made no mistake from the spot.

However, the Mariners held on to claim just their seventh point of the season, keeping alive their hopes of avoiding a last-placed finish.

Their efforts were soured by a potentially serious knee injury to Tommy Oar, who limped off the field after hyper-extending his knee in the first half.

Mulvey described it as a significant result in the context of their season.

"When you look at the history of the season so far, I think that's a pretty significant result against significant odds," he said.

"Sydney threw everything at us basically and, of the three games we've played against them this season, this one was the least effective we've been going forward."






AAP