Sydney FC’S A-League resurgence continued at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night with 1-0 derby win over a 10-man Wanderers outfit.
Although if you ask Wanderers star Brandon Borrello, it was an undeserved victory.
Max Burgess’ sizzling first-half strike was enough to secure the Sky Blues – whose coach Steve Corica was in danger of losing his job last month after his team’s poor run of form – a third successive victory.
The win was also revenge for Corica’s men after the Wanderers had beaten them 1-0 at Allianz Stadium in November.
The Wanderers thought they had equalised in the 72nd minute through substitute and debutant Tom Beadling. However a correct offside decision ensured Sydney remained in the lead.
Eight minutes earlier, the hosts had been reduced to 10 men after Congo international Yeni Ngbakoto was shown a direct red card for slapping the face of Sky Blues utility Paulo Retre.
Referee Adam Kersey went to the sideline to check video footage of the incident before deciding to send off the Wanderers winger.
Ngbakoto was furious and had to be restrained by teammates as he protested the decision.
Wanderers coach Marko Rudan was also incensed with the decision and was shown a yellow card by Kersey.
Rudan – who had spoken during the week of the class divide that existed between the Harbour City’s “blue collar” west and “white collar” east – was still angry after the match and became involved in a vernal altercation with Corica, his former Sky Blues teammate.
Borrello was also unhappy after the match, refusing to pay any credit to the Sky Blues for their win.
“If I’m being brutally honest, they deserved nothing,” Borrello told Network 10.
“The couldn’t play out when we had one man less. They just sat off, they were scared of us for the whole game. They can count themselves lucky they scored one goal.
“We’re obviously shattered. It’s hard not to sound like a sore loser, but (they were) bang average.”
Despite Borrello’s beliefs, the Sky Blues grabbed a deserved lead in the 16th minute through Burgess.
The 28-year-old midfielder made space for himself on the edge of the Wanderers’ penalty area before unleashing a left-footed strike that flew past goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas on its way to the back of the net.
Worse was to follow for the Wanderers, with captain and key defender Marcelo forced off after 20 minutes with a groin injury.
However, Sydney also lost a key player before half-time, with English marksman Adam Le Fondre limping off with a hamstring injury.
Despite Le Fondre’s injury, derby revenge was sweet for Sydney mentor Corica.
“We wanted payback, we got it tonight.” Corica said.
“We defended extremely well to keep a clean sheet, which was great. The boys showed great character to hang in there.
“We didn’t let them have any chances, which was fantastic.”
