Sydney FC have beaten the Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium to claim top position on the ladder, on what was a wet and wild night in Sydney.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Sydney FC 2
Newcastle Jets 1
Sydney FC return to their home patch to take on the high flying Newcastle Jets. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
There would have been something a little heated in the preparations of the champions throughout the week after the shock loss to the impressive Mariners at Gosford last week.
In a result in which the Sky Blues looked flat, out of sorts and completely outplayed, chief grumpy smurf Graham Arnold, will have put plenty of work into the squad, knowing that a bounce back is vital.
Two weeks of football in the style they produced last week will be deemed unacceptable by the manager.
The Jets chalked up another good win last week and sit atop after six weeks. The luckless Adelaide were their victims and despite an average start, their attacking weapons seem to always come to the fore at some point during a game.
The injury to Ronny Vargas was met with much gloom, however the Jets haven’t taken a backward step and new manager Ernie Merrick has them firing on all cylinders.
After Melbourne City’s loss to Brisbane last night, this game becomes a straight out clash for the top spot on the ladder and one that will set up the victor with much confidence and momentum, as we move towards the middle section of the season.
Prediction
Sydney will bunker down in this one tonight and tighten up defensively. Newcastle will attack with the same speed and width they have been using in recent weeks. In an interesting match-up, I feel a draw is the most likely result.
Sydney FC 1, Newcastle 1
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:50pm (AEDT).
Nemesis
Guest
Grobbelaar is slowly, but surely, returning to his Mr AFL Football persona. Just needs to bring back the photo icon of The AFL guy wearing Hot Pants & doing High Kicks to complete the transformation. Have to admit he kept up his football-embracing Grobbelaar personality a lot longer than I'd imagined.
punter
Guest
Everyone focus on Socceroos, the families all went to ANZ on Wednesday night, 76K shows football is still very popular in Sydney though A-League suffering. Remember biggest game of AFL this season in Sydney, Giants home semis was outdrew by the Matildas.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
Good crowd for this top of the table clash: 11,519. We had hoped for a kick in interest in the local game following the socceroos' qualification for Russia, and that is slowly becoming evident.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I think you might be right Kanga. Two quality teams.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Sydney FC have beaten the Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium to claim top position on the ladder, on what was a wet and wild night in Sydney. With Newcastle suffering the problematic loss of Roy O’Donovan prior to the game, things looked grim for the visitors considering the undoubted enthusiasm Sydney would show after their poor performance against the Mariners last week. Sydney started well and in the fifth minute, Bobo was able to thread a pass through to Milos Ninkovic who slotted the opening goal of the game. Some may have thought the floodgates would have opened, yet the Jets showed their spirit and toughness in matching the sky blues for the remainder of the half and going into the break just a goal behind. The Sydney dominance in possession did eventually pay dividends, even though their second goal came from a poor error from goalkeeper Jack Newman, who had been a star to that point. Bobo slotted home the dropped ball and the sky blues looked home. Newcastle showed great character and Dimi Petratos hammered home from distance after a helping hand from the slippery surface and the final twenty was destined to be thrilling with top spot on the line. There was to be no more scoring, despite numerous chances and both teams will rue some moments. In the end, Sydney were probably the better team overall and the win sees them return to the top of the ladder after a disappointing performance last week. Final Score Sydney 2 Newcastle 1
Kangajets
Guest
Sydney were the better team, well done tonight Newcastle will have gained confidence from the second half and so many youngsters getting game time is a huge plus for Newcastle Confirms for me that these 2 teams are heading towards the grand final in may . Thanks Stuart
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What an enjoyable game of football despite the weather. Thanks for being on board. Match report to follow in 15 minutes.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full-time Sydney 2 Newcastle 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A late scramble near the Sydney goal.......and it is full time.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
As the rain continues to pour down, the final minute approaches. Not a yellow card all night.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
94' Sydney 2 Newcastle 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Something tells me these teams may meet in the semi-finals.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Sydney have responded well after the shock defeat last week and the Jets have fought hard considering their injury toll.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
92' Sydney 2 Newcastle 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Time for the Jets to pinch a draw.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Five minutes added on? Where did that come from?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' Sydney 2 Newcastle 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Newcastle with a late chance...................the ball flies over the bar and Sydney will look to shut things down from here.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
88' Sydney 2 Newcastle 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal kick Sydney