By George Clarke
Sydney FC’s wait for an A-League Men win at the glitzy new Allianz Stadium is over, with Adam Le Fondre clinching a valuable 2-1 victory over Melbourne City.
Steve Corica’s side had failed to pick up all three points in their previous three ALM outings at their revamped Moore Park home, but Le Fondre’s second-half finish proved the difference and ended City’s unbeaten start the season in the process.
So lengthy was the Sky Blues’ exile from the old Sydney Football Stadium that all 51 of Le Fondre’s previous ALM goals have been at other grounds.
But with his first touch on his return from a hamstring issue, the Englishman was able to get on the end of a rebounded shot from compatriot Joe Lolley to seal victory.
“It’s great that Adam got on the scoresheet,” Corica said.
“It’s step by step but the performance and the win at home is great for confidence.
“They showed great character defensively and tonight we were really on it.”
Andrew Redmayne, Jamie Maclaren, Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio of the Socceroos were acknowledged before the match.Credit:Getty
The win lifts Sydney up to fourth spot on the ladder ahead of a trip to face the Central Coast Mariners next weekend.
Before kick-off, four players involved in the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign were given a rousing reception by the home crowd.
Sydney keeper Andrew Redmayne and City trio Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren and Marco Tilio were afforded a guard of honour and given a commemorative award for their achievements.
Redmayne was the busiest of the quartet and he was called into action early as City looked to stamp their authority in their first game since manager Patrick Kisnorbo left for French side Troyes.
Adam Le Fondre of Sydney FC celebrates scoring a goal.Credit:Getty
Interim City boss Rado Vidosic started Maclaren and Leckie, and the pair were critical to the Victorian side breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes.
Leckie chipped a ball up on the edge of the Sydney box which made contact with Luke Brattan’s outstretched arm and despite bringing out his infamous ‘grey Wiggle’ routine, Redmayne was powerless to stop Maclaren’s well-placed penalty.
The goal was Maclaren’s ninth of the season but the lead lasted little more than 90 seconds as Sydney charged up the other end from the ensuing kick-off.
The Sky Blues’ Paulo Retre tested Tommy Glover with a header and the rebound, before Lolley came good with a follow-up shot to draw the home side level.
“We didn’t react properly,” Vidosic said. “We fell asleep and we were second best in the second half.
“I don’t know what the reason was, but we would lose the ball and couldn’t win it back.”
Redmayne was forced to deny further efforts from Thomas Lam and Maclaren but arguably the best chance of the first half came at the death when Sydney striker Patrick Wood had his shot cleared off the line.
Sydney centre back Jack Rodwell did not return in the second half and with the hour mark nearing, Corica called on Le Fondre to provide the spark.
He duly did so, with a poacher’s finish to force Vidosic into action.
The City boss brought Tilio into the fray with less than 30 minutes left, the winger rattling the woodwork in added time but unable to grab an equaliser.
