The Sydney Derby. One of the A-League’s best fixtures. The first half was dyer, but the second did not disappoint with penalty controversy and keeper errors leaving the scores 1-1 at the end of the ninety.
The home side made one change with youngster Calem Nieuwenhof stepping out for the incoming Paulo Retre. The Wanderers were unchanged from their game against Newcastle.
Before kick-off, a moment silence was observed for Former Socceroos coach Frank Arok who passed away earlier this week.
Daniel Margush was kept busy in the opening minutes, with Kosta Barbarouses and Trent Buhagiar forcing three saves in five minutes from the Wanderer’s stopper. In the 30th minute Buhagiar did force one past Margush, but only to strike against the woodwork.
Half time: Sydney FC 0 – Western Sydney Wanderers 0
A fairly uneventful half of football by derby standards. Let’s take a look at the highlights on the Twitter feeds.
The second half was kicked off in a flurry, with WSW’s Nicolai Müller wasting a golden chance in a one on one with keeper Andrew Redmayne, sending his shot flying over the bar.
Early in the 60th, WSW’s James Troisi brought down Miloš Ninković in the box and referee King had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Kosta Barbarouses finished from the spot to give Sydney FC the breakthrough lead.
Troisi made amends shortly after, pouncing on a rare Andrew Redmayne error. The Sydney keeper went to claim a long ball, but fumbled in front of a grateful Troisi, who finished in an open net.
Sydney will rue that they lost the lead in such quick succession and will see this as the cliche two points dropped. WSW were arguably the better team in the second-half and will be happy to snatch a draw away from home.
Full Time – Sydney FC 1 – WSW 1
Both teams will now look towards matches v Central Coast Mariners with WSW and Sydney playing on Tuesday and Friday night respectively.
Tuesday 19th January : CCM V WSW. KO 7:05pm at Central Coast Stadium.
Friday 22nd January : Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners. KO 7:05pm at Jubilee Stadium
