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A-League fans were treated to a goal-fest on Boxing Day evening, as Sydney FC outscored the Central Coast Mariners 4 to 1.
REPORT: BROSQUE INJURED AS SYDNEY MAUL MARINERS
It was an important match, both teams having gone without a win for some time, and Sydney made their intentions clear from the start as Rhyan Grant was denied by the crossbar in the opening minute from a firing header.
Sydney opened their account for the evening through their captain Alex Brosque, who slotted home an easy tap-in after some great play from Andrew Hoole, pouncing on a Mariners defensive turnover.
Brosque had a second soon after, making no mistake from the spot, to punish the Mariners for yet another error that led to the penalty. However the skipper had to be subbed off following the goal, having injured his hamstring as he scored.
Yet things were made worse for the Mariners, as Paul Izzo received his marching orders after bringing down George Blackwood inside the box. Mickael Tavares then stood up and converted his side’s third goal, despite 18-year-old Thomas Heward-Belle diving the right way.
The Mariners continued to attack, lifting late in the half. They were given a glimmer of hope as Harry Ascroft headed home his side’s first, and the Mariners went into the break with a sense of belief that they could turn things around.
While the second half was not as eventful as the first, referee Ben Williams remained busy, issuing four yellow cards.
The Sky Blues put the game to bed in the 84th minute, with Grant sending in a low cross which deflected off Jake McGing into the back of the net for Sydney’s fourth goal.
Despite conceding a late goal, keeper Tom Heward-Belle played very well after coming on for Izzo, the 18-year-old making numerous saves to keep his side in the game.
At the end of the day Sydney outclassed their opponents, with the result never in doubt after the first 30 minutes.
Final score
Sydney FC 4
Central Coast Mariners 1
Sydney FC host Central Coast Mariners at the Sydney Football Stadium in what is a must-win match for both sides, as they look to end the year on a high. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The harbour city will play host to this Boxing Day clash between the Sky Blues and the Mariners. Both teams will no doubt, be eager to claim the three points and look towards improving things in the New Year.
The Sky Blues have only managed one win in their past seven matches, with four of those matches ending in stalemates. Sydney currently sits fourth on table, very much in mix to challenge the top of the table.
Sydney will be determined to rectify last week’s draw with the Phoenix. The Sky Blues were in the pole position to claim a very handy win away, had they not conceded a late penalty which saw Roy Krishna convert, forcing Sydney to share the points.
The lowly Mariners, meanwhile, sit dead last on the table, with only one win in the first eleven games this season. If there was ever a time for the Mariners to turn their season around, it is right now as they travel to face the Sky Blues. The Mariners will be keen to end their current slump in form, losing their last four matches.
Statistically speaking, this match features the best defensive team against the worst defensive team this season. Sydney’s nine conceded goals thus far, is the least amount of goals conceded in the first eleven rounds. The Mariners, in contrast, have conceded the most goals, leaking an incredible 24 goals.
The last time these two sides met was earlier this year in round 4. A draw was very much on the cards, before Matt Simon emerged, scoring a brace against his former side, allowing Sydney to cruise to victory away from home.
Historically, this fixture has belonged to the Sky Blues. Sydney has won four out of their last five meetings with the Mariners. Fans can also be assured that there will be a winner in this match, with this meeting not having seen a draw since the 2011/12 season.
The spotlight this week will shine brightly upon Matt Simon, who will be facing his former club yet again. Simon scored 49 goals playing for the Mariners over 147 matches. Since his move to rivals Sydney this season Simon has featured in nine matches, with his only goals so far coming against the Mariners.
This will certainly be a fierce contest, both sides will be determined to end the year on a high and get back on track in the New Year.
Prediction: Sydney to bounce back.
2-0 Sydney FC.
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