Stallions remain on the Premiership hunt with win over Sydney FC

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Marconi Stallions made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Valentine Sports Park on chilly Friday evening in Sydney’s West.

The visitors got off to the perfect start scoring in the first minute. Japanese star Hiroaki Aoyama weaved past the Sky Blue defence with ease before picking out former Sky Blue Jordi Swibel who slotted it beyond Adam Pavlesic for 1-0.

Sydney FC responded with a pair of chances. Adrian Segecic had an effort punched away by Stallions keeper James Hilton then Aaron Gurd headed straight at the shotstopper.

The hosts continued to control the play after conceding early.

A nifty back heel was played into the path of Oscar Priestman who stung Hilton’s gloves once again.

The Stallions had a few chances of their own to double their advantage. Giorgio Speranza roamed forward and fired an effort straight at Pavlesic in the 20th minute.

Segecic was the main outlet for Sydney FC. He surged forward before blazing wide then stood over a free kick which was cleared off the line by Taylor McDonald.

Martin Fernandez had a pair of chances before the break for the Stallions. He almost picked the pocket of the Sky Blues defence twice but shot wide.

It was almost déjà vu to start the second half.

Marconi went forward again, and Martin Fernandez had a shot which had to be cleared away.

Sydney FC found an equaliser from a sweeping move. Ben Gibson started the move as he found Segacic’s head in the 48th minute to make it 1-1.

The Stallions showed grit to grab the lead instantly. A ball was swung in and was spilled by Pavlesic which saw Kyle Cimenti roll home to make it 2-1 in the 50th minute.

The Sky Blues went close for yet another equaliser by that man again, Segecic. His combination with Clayton Taylor saw the goal scorer hit his effort wide of the mark.

Stallions substitute Christopher Hatfield almost introduced himself immediately with a goal. He strode forward and sprayed his effort that fizzed wide of the post.

Sydney FC kept chasing for that elusive second goal. Segecic floated in a free kick which saw substitute Alen Harbas volley straight at Hilton.

Marconi almost found a third goal through a throw in. It was flicked on twice towards Cimenti who nodded over the bar.

Post-match Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren remained positive on the performance of his side despite suffering their seventh loss of the 2023 NPL NSW Men’s campaign.

“It’s not often you lose a game and think you were the better team.

“We had the better chances but didn’t convert them.

“We copped two soft goals really.

“We lost that game but the performance from the group was positive and it is great signs for us for the rest of the season.”

For Marconi Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis, the former Australian youth international was delighted with his side’s determination to stay in the game as they secured three precious points away from home.

“It is a tough place to come, last time APIA were done here convincingly.

“We knew if we opened up, we know they can play and are sharp.

“We were compact and scored the goals when the chances came.

“Our keeper played well and we dug in for the result which is what you need to do sometimes.”

Match Stats

Sydney FC 1 (Segecic ‘48)

Marconi Stallions 2 (Swibel ‘1, Cimenti ‘50)

Friday 26 May 2023

Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood

Referee: Ivica Covic

Assistant Referees: Matt Staples & Emma Kocbek

Fourth Official: Rowan Fisher

Sydney FC: 2. Cameron Fong (13. Hayden Matthews ‘62), 4. Nathan Paull, 5. Matthew Scarcella, 7. Ben Gibson (26. Zane Schreiber ‘73), 8. Kealey Adamson (21. Louis Agosti ‘73), 9. Luka Smyth (10. Alen Harbas ‘62), 11. Clayton Taylor, 18. Oscar Priestman, 19. Adrian Segecic, 29. Aaron Gurd, 30. Adam Pavlesic

Unused subs: 20. Max Vartuli, 34. Max Buratto

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

Marconi Stallions: 2. Nathan Millgate, 3. Giorgio Speranza, 5. Liam Mcging, 8. Hiroaki Aoyama, 9. Jordan Swibel (13. Aleksander Duricic ’92), 11. Daniel Bouman, 17. Martin Fernandez (21. Justin Vidic ‘68), 19. Kyle Cimenti, 22. Taylor McDonald, 23. Brandon Vella (7. Christopher Hatfield ‘60), 24. James Hilton

Unused subs: 1. Nathan Foster, 15. Luke Raso, 41. Jonathan Soares

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings:

3: Adrian Segecic (SFC)

2: Taylor McDonald (MS)

1: James Hilton (MS)

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)