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Surging Sky Blues put heat on Perth Glory

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Sydney FC have cut the gap between themselves and A-League leaders Perth to three points with four games remaining in the regular season.

Sydney FC have put the pressure on Perth to keep performing or risk setting the stage for a Premiers Plate blockbuster on Thursday week.

The Sky Blues moved to within three points of the A-League pacesetters after claiming a last-gasp 2-1 win over third-placed Melbourne Victory on Saturday. 

The Glory can extend their lead back to six points if they can take care of business against last-placed Central Coast on Sunday. 

However, a slip-up against the Mariners, or Newcastle next week, could set up a premiership-deciding contest against Sydney FC in two weeks time. 

Reminded that the victory puts the onus back on Perth, Corica said: “It does. I’m looking forward to seeing that (Central Coast) game.”

The win against Melbourne Victory kickstarts a challenging month that also includes two Asian Champions League clashes and next week’s Sydney derby. 

Sydney, who host reigning Chinese champions Shanghai SIPG at Jubilee Oval on Wednesday, finish their regular season against the Jets. 

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Perth round out their campaign by hosting Wellington.

“Every game we need to win, from now until the end of the season,” Corica said.

“What happens with Perth is out of our control until next week, when we play them. And then that’s in our control.”

Corica will be buoyed by another strong effort from import Siem de Jong, who came off the bench to set up the late game-winner for Milos Ninkovic. 

It came a week after the Dutchman returned from a long injury layoff as a substitute to score a goal and assist on another. 

“We knew when he comes on and there’s more space, it’s better for him as well,” Corica said of nursing de Jong through his comeback.
 
“But he’s going to have to start very soon once he gets his fitness up and he can last the majority of the game.”

© AAP

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