Dutch international Luciano Narsingh opens A-League account in Sydney FC’s disposal of Western United

Luciano Narsingh’s first A-League goal was part of an impressive Sydney FC display against Western United.

Sydney FC players salute their fans after beating Western United. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

DUTCH attacker Luciano Narsingh scored his first A-League goal as Sydney FC reminded the competition of their championship credentials with a 3-0 win over Western United at Jubilee Stadium.

In just his third appearance for the Sky Blues, former PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Swansea City winger Narsingh made the most of a sweet pass from Sydney talisman Milos Ninkovic to open his A-League account in the 58th minute of Saturday night’s contest.

Back in Sydney’s starting side, the evergreen Ninkovic had earlier given the hosts a first-half lead with a sweet volley from a Rhyan Grant cross.

Narsingh’s goal doubled Sydney’s lead, with midfielder Mustafa Amini providing the icing on the cake in the 68th minute with his first A-League goal since 2011.

Amini, who spent the previous 10 years in Europe before returning home in December to join Sydney, pounced on a mistake from Western United substitute Jerry Skotadis to seal the Sky Blues’ win.

Luciano Narsingh celebrates his first A-League goal. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“We’re very happy to score three goals against them and for us to keep a clean sheet,” said Sydney coach Steve Corica, who was also delighted for Narsingh.

“He’s getting better each game, getting stronger, but tonight he showed his class in front of goal with that finish.

“It’s nice for him to get his first goal for the club, especially at home in a great win.”

Mustafa Amini scored his first A-League goal since 2011. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

The victory moved five-time A-League champions Sydney into fifth spot on the ladder.

Western United’s loss was their heaviest defeat of the season, with the John Aloisi-coached team now a point behind competition leaders Melbourne City, who drew 1-1 in Saturday night’s derby against Melbourne Victory.

While United have two games in hand, the loss to Sydney – who were without key attacker Kosta Barbarouses, who is on international duty with New Zealand – was a timely reminder that there is plenty of work ahead of them in their bid for a maiden A-League title in just their third season in the competition.

United’s best chance of the game came in the 52nd minute when a header from Serbian striker Aleksandar Prijović was superbly saved by Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.

TIGHT CALL

UNITED seemed to have made the perfect start when Prijović had the ball in the back of the net after an error from Sydney defender James Donachie.

However, Prijović was ruled offside despite the replay suggesting he was in line with Donachie when the pass was played in his direction.

“I’m very surprised that it wasn’t allowed,” United coach Aloisi said.

“I’m not sure if the linesman should have flagged. It should have gone straight to VAR.”

MUDGEE MAGIC

IN Saturday’s earlier game in NSW, Central Coast Mariners beat Macarthur FC 4-2 at Mudgee’s Glen Willow Stadium.

Costa Rican star Marco Urena netted a brace for the Mariners, with Matt Hatch and Noah Smith also scoring for the winners.

Macarthur’s goals were scored by Adrian Mariappa and Lachlan Rose, who netted a late consolation for the Bulls, who have lost three of their past four games.