Sydney FC plugged their leaky defence in a much-improved performance to hold Scottish champions Rangers to a scoreless draw in their rain-sodden Sydney Festival of Football match on Wednesday night.
Having conceded five goals at the hands of Greek side AEK Athens three days earlier, the Sky Blues limited Rangers to only a couple of chances, albeit in dreadful conditions at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Another positive for Sydney was a first start for marquee signing Nick Carle, who recovered from a hamstring problem and looked dangerous before being substituted at halftime.
In front of 9483 fans who braved the conditions, there was barely a genuine chance in a sometimes-fiery match until Liam Reddy – handed his chance to impress in goals – pulled off a superb diving save in the 65th minute to deny a headed attempt from Maurice Edu.
Sydney’s best opportunity followed soon after, with giant Senegalese trailist Ibrahima Thiam having a curling effort tipped away by Neil Alexander at the other end a minute later.
On a rapidly-deteriorating pitch, Rangers mounted pressure on Sydney’s goal but the conditions, and some good scrambling defence, ensured the deadlock wasn’t broken.
There was little to cheer about before halftime with Sydney’s only half-chance falling to Mark Bridge, who had a shot saved after a clever turn upon receiving a Shannon Cole cross.
Rangers barely tested Reddy’s goal in the first period, with their only move of promise a dazzling run from Kyle Lafferty which ultimately let to nothing.
Sydney coach Viteslav Lavicka substituted Carle and Bridge at halftime, bringing on the 198cm Thiam and Japanese midfielder Hirofumi Moriyasu in their places.
The Sky Blues lost Stephan Keller after 50 minutes, the Swiss centre back taking himself off shortly after he was brought down from behind in a Kenny Miller challenge.
Sydney also welcomed midfielder Stuart Musialik (hip) back from injury in the second half while Alex Brosque was rested.
Lavicka was proud of his players for their effort in the conditions and was pleased about the improved defensive performance.
Veteran Hayden Foxe was impressive and played a full 90 minutes at centre back, with Seb Ryall used at right back allowing Cole to push forward.
“I think it was a really good performance tonight,” Lavicka said.
“Defence generally seemed to be more compact.”
Rangers manager Walter Smith was impressed with the A-League side, admitting they made life tough for his team.
“I thought Sydney worked very hard to put us under pressure in the first half of the game and they were successful at doing that,” Smith said.
“… I think overall, they showed a good level and I think they’ll have a good season.”
Smith admitted the conditions were hardly conducive to practicing attacking football.
“I think both coaches can say we’ve gained a lot in terms of fitness but not a lot in terms of our overall level of possession,” he said.
Lavicka said Keller had suffered a hamstring problem and would be assessed in the coming days.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
