Sydney FC once again shared the spoils with Wellington Phoneix, this time the match ending in a 1-1 draw in a match that Sydney should’ve won.
REPORT: PHOENIX STEAL LATE DRAW
The Sky Blues were by far the better team, though Wellington sprung to life in the dying stages of the match, and clawed their way back into the contest through a deserved penalty.
Brendon O’Neill struck the crossbar in the first half with a well-taken freekick, and Andrew Hoole should’ve scored from the penalty spot, but had his effort saved by Glen Moss.
When the match looked destined for a 0-0 draw, Filip Holosko made a good run down the right, beating one player then firing home from just inside the box.
However this lead was short lived as Jacques Faty needlessly committed a foul on Tom Doyle during a set piece, and Roy Krishna stepped up to the penalty spot to draw the Nix level.
Graham Arnold will be disappointed in his side’s inability to finish out the game, while Ernie Merrick would be delighted with a point his side didn’t deserve.
Final Score: Wellington Phoenix 1-1 Sydney FC
Sydney FC travel to New Zealand to take on the Wellington Phoenix in a must-win game for the Sky Blues. Join The Roar from 5pm (AEDT) for live scores and coverage.
Sydney FC made a strong start to the season, and would be sitting much higher than their current fifth spot if not for a recent slump in form.
They’ve got the players to do well, and have dominated almost every game, yet they are midway down the table.
This slump is due to bad luck and poor finishing. Graham Arnold has solidified his defence but was always going to struggle to replace Marc Janko. While Filip Holosko and Alex Brosque are capable strikers, neither has hit peak goal-scoring form this season.
Brosque was unlucky to pick up an injury a few weeks back, and missed Sydney’s loss to Adelaide last week.
With Alex Gersbach serving his one-match suspension for a red-card offence, Arnold can bring in either Jacques Faty or Zac Anderson. Andrew Hoole is also capable in the right back position.
Brendan O’Neill could also return to the starting XI following a series of less-than-impressive displays from Arnold’s men. O’Neill started the season as a regular, though has since been dropped.
Wellington are in a similar boat to Sydney FC: a strong side playing a dominant style of football, yet they have not achieved a steady string of results.
With key striker Nathan Burns gone (similar to Sydney’s Janko), for all their possession and creativity, Wellington aren’t winning the bigger matches where it counts.
Tonight, a win would see Wellington leapfrog Sydney into fifth, and leave the Sky Blues in a slump heading into the busy Christmas period.
Prediction
Sydney FC to win this one 3-2.
Vic Ram
Guest
Again 3 points out of bag , time and again I have said to drop Fatty but Arnold is not listening , Fatty was made captain on Saturday and he should set examples to youngsters but he is giving away point to the other teams, drop Fatty n bring in Zac Andeson. Smettz didn't play n I think Simon did a good job. was pleased with Simon and Milos Dimi on the bench, Brandon played a great game, that Hoole from JETS was wasted, Chris Nauoff should play 90 mins.............wake up Arnold before u r history at FC.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Full Time - Sydney FC once again share the spoils with Wellington Phoneix, this time the match ending in a 1-1 draw. The Sky Blues were by far the better team, though Wellington sprung to life in the dying stages of the match, and clawed their way back into the contest through a deserved penalty. Brendon O'Neill struck the crossbar in the first half with a well taken freekick, and Andrew Hoole should've scored from the penalty spot, but had his effort saved by Glen Moss. When the match looked destined for a 0-0 draw, Filip Holosko made a good run down the right, beating one player then firing home from just inside the box. However this lead was short lived as Jacques Faty needlessly committed a foul on Tom Doyle during a set piece, and Roy Krishna stepped up to the penalty spot to draw the Nix level. Graham Arnold will be disappointed in his sides inability to finish out the game, whilst Ernie Merrick would be delighted with a point his side didn't deserve. Final Score: Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+3 - Several attacks by Sydney are lacking the final touch. What a run from Dimitrejevic, who has replaced Ninkovic. Ball stays at his feet but the box is too crowded for the cross. Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+2 - Wellington have some life in their attack now as Sydney continually give the ball away. How will this one end, where was all this excitement for the other 85 minutes? Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90 - Four minutes of stoppage time. The crowd is finally awakened and loud. Wellington with a freekick just inside their own half. Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
89 - Krishna Scores!! there was no need for Faty to commit that foul. The ball into the area was poor, and yet his hands were all over Doyle. Sydney FC 1-1 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
89 - Penalty Wellington! Doyle was fouled during the freekick, and there was no hesitation from Green to point to the spot. Faty the culprit once again. Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
88 - Holosko now booked for taking Krishna out in a promsing position. Good chance for Wellington to whip the ball into the area. Clever work from Krishna to draw the foul Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
87 - Tom Doyle the latest player into Peter Green's book for a bad tackle on the right side. Sydney lose the ball quickly with Wellington desperate to claw their way back. Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
86 - Naumoff did well to set that goal up with an interception and some good footwork down the right. Sydney FC 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
84 - Holosko!! What a goal! Comes in from the right, taking out Doyle by bringing it onto his left, then striding past the second Phoenix defender to slot into the far corner well beyond Moss. Sky Blues Lead! Wellington Phoenix 0-1 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
83 - Powell on for Bonevacia, and George Blackwood on for Matt Simon. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
82 - Matt Simon still running, trying to close down Riera and the two central defenders. Wellington work it up the park through Doyle, who is taken out. Freekick Wellington, and two substitutions to come. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
81 - Chance Sydney! O'Neill delivers another great ball into the area, and with three players there, Jacques Faty should've done better with his header, which Moss saves fairly easily. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
80 - Durante finally gets the yellow card he deserves for taking out Simon quite blatantly. Danaskos then takes him out in Simon's next touch. he has been really good tonight as a front-man. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
78 - Another loose pass from Rodriguez and Bonevacia. Very poor game for Wellington's midfield trio tonight (Riera as well). Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
77 - McGlinchey gets in behind with a well worked counter attack, but he is called offside. Janjetovic saves anyway. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
James Anderson
Roar Guru
76 - Tavares handles Bonevacia and earns the freekick. Not sure who will win this one. If history is anything to go by, it will end in a 0-0 draw, which would be harsh on Sydney FC, but not undeserved. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC
Jack
Guest
I think hoole is a little over rated
James Anderson
Roar Guru
74 - Sarpong yellow carded for showing his studs to Ninkovic. Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Sydney FC