Sydney FC 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers: Duke ends leaders' unbeaten run

Sydney FC's 13-match unbeaten A-League run ended in dramatic circumstances on Friday, as Mitchell Duke netted a late winner to claim a 1-0 derby win for Western Sydney Wanderers.

Steve Corica's pacesetters had won each of their past six A-League games and were unbeaten since succumbing to the Wanderers in October at Bankwest Stadium, but they were made to rue their profligacy this time around as Duke proved decisive, just as he did four months ago.

Sydney dominated possession and had more shots in the first half, but the Wanderers went closest through Nicolai Muller in the 30th minute – his long-range strike beating Andrew Redmayne but coming back off the crossbar.

A-League top-scorer Adam Le Fondre should have levelled on the stroke of half-time, turning wide from 10 yards out with a controlled volley after a pinpoint delivery from the right.

 

February 28, 2020

Milos Ninkovic nodded another presentable opportunity off target for the hosts just after the break, and Sydney were made to pay for their wastefulness.

With nine minutes left, captain Duke met Tate Russell's cross and sent a looping header beyond Redmayne.

Daniel Georgievski's stoppage-time red card – upgraded from a yellow after a VAR review – for kicking Marco Tilio in the face during a scuffle on the floor, but it came too late to hand Sydney much of an advantage.

 

February 28, 2020