Sydney FC go top of A-League ladder after handing Western United its third straight loss
Western United is finding out how tough the A-League can be after crashing to its third consecutive defeat, with the 2-0 result sending Sydney FC to the top of the ladder.
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Sydney FC marched to the top of the A-League table with a resounding 2-0 win against Western United at GMHBA Stadium.
Adam Le Fondre struck twice in the first half to condemn Mark Rudan’s side to its third consecutive loss and send the Sky Blues two points clear of Melbourne City.
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Western United started well, but Rudan was left to lament a drop-off in intensity after a pause in play 17 minutes into the game, when Sydney defender Ryan McGowan was down with a bleeding nose after a head clash.
“From a set piece they were able to get their first and they got their second again from a lapse in concentration,” Rudan said.
“I wasn’t happy with the lack of intensity, particularly after McGowan went down, because I think that’s when things turned around — they just lifted and we seemed to be second to everything as well.”
Sydney’s day was made difficult before it had even begun when Milos Ninkovic was ruled out through illness and replaced by Anthony Caceres. United benched striker Besart Berisha in favour of Scott McDonald.
“It wasn’t our best performance with the ball, but I think it was our best performance defensively,” Sydney coach Steve Corica said.
“A clean sheet is very important. We had a big trip last week to Perth, so I think the boys were probably a little bit flat.
“But full credit to them, they worked extremely hard defensively.”
As the first half went on, the Sky Blues seized control and opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
Midfielder Alexander Baumjohann looped a corner kick to the back post where Englishman Le Fondre comfortably saw off Connor Chapman to head home.
United’s best chance of the half came when Dario Jertec tried his luck from distance in the second minute of added time, but his shot skidded past the post.
Two minutes later, Brandon O’Neill played through Baumjohann down the right-hand side. The German cut the ball back for Le Fondre, who buried his second goal on the stroke of halftime.
United largely looked toothless for the third consecutive week. Greek international Panagiotis Kone forced a rare save from Andrew Redmayne in the 84th minute and Dylan Pierias had a shot blocked three minutes later.
Originally published as Sydney FC go top of A-League ladder after handing Western United its third straight loss