Sydney finally book finals berth

They had to wait until the last game of the last round but after a long and tumultuous campaign, Sydney FC finally booked their place in the A-League finals with a 2-1 win over Perth at Allianz Stadium.

The result lifts Sydney to fifth spot and sets up a tantalising knockout match against fourth-placed Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium next Friday.

The last time the sides met things ended level 1-1.

But while coach Frank Farina will hope to repeat the 5-0 drubbing Sydney inflicted on Victory at Etihad Stadium in January, he says previous results count for nothing in the do-or-die finals series.

“It’s a whole new ball game,” he said.

“The regular season’s finished now. It’s just who turns up next Friday night, who’s better prepared and who plays better.

“All the previous form for all the teams really counts for nothing now.

“These games where it’s sudden death, it’s a different pressure on everyone.”

Having missed out on a top-six spot on goal difference last season, this campaign it worked in their favour.

With Newcastle’s victory on Friday bringing them level on points with Sydney, only a loss by a two-goal margin or more would have denied them a finals spot and handed the Jets sixth place.

A Terry Antonis screamer opened the scoring at Allianz Stadium, with Richard Garcia ensuring late drama with a winner in extra time.

Rostyn Griffiths scored a consolation goal for a Glory side playing only for pride.

With things level until the 93rd minute, it appeared certain Sydney would remain in sixth place and face Central Coast in Gosford on Saturday.

Garcia’s late winner looks to have handed them a tougher assignment, faced with a shorter turnaround before having to travel to Melbourne to face fierce rivals Victory.

But Farina insists he doesn’t see it that way, hoping Victory’s Asian Champions League match on Tuesday leaves them worse off.

“No not at all,” he said.

“Whoever you come up against is going to be tough particularly away from home.

“It’s only five days away but Victory also have to play on Tuesday so we can’t complain about our short turn around.

“It is what it is and we’re ready.”

The last time Sydney hosted Perth in February, a banner unfurled calling for Frank Farina’s head, as the side languished outside the top six looking unlikely to make finals.

On Sunday, however, the banner they held up was one of tribute, portraying retiring former skipper Terry McFlynn as the patron saint of the club.

And while Farina’s future at the club is not yet assured, the coach is now guaranteed at least one more game at the helm.