A tale of two halves tonight as Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory played out a goalless albeit exciting 0-0 draw.
After dominating the opening 45minutes, Victory were notably absent in the second half with Sydney taking control of proceedings.
Neither team however could take advantage of their tenures in ascendancy, with poor last passes and shots keeping the game goalless. Although the ball did hit the back of the net, twice actually, off-sides kept it scoreless.
Both sides were hit by international duty with absentees taking their toll respectively on each side. In hindsight neither team deserved the win, and may well be satisfied with a point considering their depleted line-ups.
No goals, but definitely another nice addition to the traditional rivalry between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.
FINAL SCORE:
Sydney FC 0
Melbourne Victory 0
In what will be a heated top-of-the-table clash between two old rivals, third placed Sydney FC host second-placed Melbourne Victory. Join us on The Roar from 7.30pm (AEDT) for all the action.
Both teams head into this match locked on 11 points after three wins and draw to kick-off their season, with Melbourne only ahead on goal difference.
After each team was held to draws last week, expect an attacking if less than polished encounter.
Unfortunately injuries have started flowing as we reach the end of the first quarter of the season. Sydney will be without strikers Mark Janko and Corey Gamerio, while captain Alex Brosque is still under an injury cloud after not being able to finish training on Thursday.
Meanwhile Terry Antonis, who was unluckily denied a Socceroos appearance after a car crash on his way to the airport, will not feature for the Sky Blues after the FFA ruled him out.
For the Victory things are a lot bleaker with international duty robbing the Victory of a host of stars. A cloud also hovers over veteran Archie Thompson, who suffered an injury scare during the week.
Thankfully for both sides, there are players to fill the gaps. Despite losing two of their strikers, Sydney will still have Shane Smeltz and Bernie Ibini as outlets up front, with the former likely keen after only appearing as a substitute last week.
For Victory, their woes are softened by key recruit Besart Berisha, currently the league’s highest goal scorer. Not only has Bersiha scored five times in his first five games, he has also struck four times in his past five encounters with Sydney FC.
Looking at statistics, the fact the Victory have only claimed one away win against the Sky Blues in their past ten played away games is ominous.
Both teams didn’t play their best football last week, respectively lucky to escape with draws. With numerous absences, don’t expect anything spectacular but with a rivalry this deep, do expect the unexpected.
Join us on The Roar from 7.30pm AEDT and make sure you add your comments below.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
It was fantastic quality football. I'll have to cast my mind back, but I'd say the best match competition I've seen all season. Can't compare last night - it was absolutely garbage. I love football, but turned off after 20' - sloppy passing, no movement, lethargic players. 2nd half must've picked up, but I had other interest by then.
Realfootball
Guest
Beauty is in the eye of the supporter. I thought it was a dull game. Thankfully Perth and Wanderers is far more entertaining. To compare it so favourably with the first half last night is something only a dyed in the wool Victory or FC supporter could do. That first half was ordinary, but so was this game. A "super"game. Surely you jest.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Super game and 11 ]players who would normally feature were missing. The depth in ALeague is really pleasing. MV dominated 1st half, SydFc were on top 2nd half. Overall MV had more real goal-scoring chances - could have ended 7-4 but for GKs & 2 bad decisions by FBK. All 3 matches today have been good value - far better than the dross served up last night in the 1st half.
Realfootball
Guest
Ibini has to go. He is showing nothing. Just has not come on as a player. Smeltz's best days clearly behind him. Gersbach is a star iin the making A real talent.
jamesb
Guest
It was 0-0, but I quite liked that game. Two fighters whom neither wanted to give an inch. A shame that so many players were missing. Victory won first half, Sydney won the second half. A draw is fair.
jamesb
Guest
Very impressed with him.
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME A tale of two halves tonight as Sydney FC and Melbourne played out a goalless albeit exciting 0-0 draw. After dominating the opening 45minutes, Victory were notably absent in the second half with Sydney taking control of proceedings. Neither team however could take advantage of their tenures in ascendancy, with poor last passes and shots keeping the game goalless. Although the ball did hit the back of the net, twice actually, off-sides kept it scoreless. Both sides were hit by international duty with absentees taking their toll respectively on each side. In hindsight neither team deserved the win, and may well be satisfied with a point considering their depleted line-ups. No goals, but definitely another nice addition to the traditional rivalry between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
90+2' A late Victory sub with Khalfallah coming off for Dover. A time waster or master stroke from Muscat? Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
90' Three minutes of added time to play, can either side take advantage? Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
86' Not much threat from both sides, are they satisfied with a draw? Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
They've been trying all night without much success!
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
80' Khalfallah again finds himself in space with his pass across goal to Berisha just intercepted by Ognenovski. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Cameron
Roar Guru
Can berisha pass to khalfallah or vise versa. I need fantasy points. I'm going dreadfully this weekend.
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
76' A Victory corner is chested down by Thompson whose attempt on goal is scrambled away on the goal line by Abbas. Eventually the play is ruled obsolete with a handball ruled against Thompson. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Gareth
Guest
Gersbach having a pretty decent game, I think he might manage to cement a spot in the starting line up with this performance.
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
75' Substitution for Sydney with Ryall coming off for Bojic. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
72' Victory win themselves a corner with Finkler curling in a deep cross only for a long range shot to miss well wide. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
67' Some of the intensity seems to be dying away from this game, as both sides seem rather uninspired in attack. Will we get a goal? Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
64' FC similarly claim a free-kick deep down their right flank but Coe is able to punch it away. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0
Joshua Thomas
Roar Guru
62' Victory win a free-kick deep down the left flank after Seb Ryall takes down Khalfallah and picks up a yellow card for his efforts. Finkler's free-kick is drilled in low and cleared easily by Sydney. Sydney FC 0 Melbourne Victory 0