Book review : Sidelines

Every so often I get wrapped up in a book that makes me shove everything to the side while I strive to finish it. This was definitely one of those occasions and through bleary eyes I made it to the end of the book, unable to stop myself. For context, I was given a copy of this book by the mum of a teammate of my daughter, who happens to work in the book industry and suggested I might like to read it. Let’s just say she absolutely nailed the recommendation.

I had never heard of the author in question, Karen Viggers, but from a quick Google search it was obvious that she is a highly-regarded Australian author, not previously known for football fiction, but clearly well versed in the workings of junior football in this country. Here she is introducing the book. This was enough to assure me that I was in for a good read, and after being sucked in after only a few pages, this was a storyline that was completely up my alley.

The book does not have chapters as such. There are some helpful section breaks (a miniature football) that allow you to know when you can put the book down and resume from an appropriate place in the story. There are main sections, one for each of the main characters in the story, and the way the book flows is very clever. I was expecting something along the lines of The Slap, at least the ABC TV series, and I think I fell for it at the end of one of the sections, anticipating an event that would then feed the rest of the story with repercussions and ramifications.

This is a story about football – the level of football where players need to trial to become part of the system and where parents do all they can to make it happen. It’s competitive. The main character is Audrey, a talented 14-year-old player, and she is from a typical North West Sydney professional upper-middle class household; her mum and dad are two of the other main voices we follow. The protagonist in Audrey’s football story is Katerina, who is from an altogether different background, but who is the only other girl in their boys’ team. We all know families just like Audrey’s and Katerina’s, and we can form our own views using our preconceptions and previous experiences.

There are several times during the story when I feel that we’re approaching the main event, and we get tantalisingly close, and there is a brilliant switch of characters in the middle of the story that confirms everything that the reader is suspecting. I don’t want to give anything away, but the story is captivating and engaging, without being action-packed and thrilling. I guess it is thrilling in a different way, that’s what makes you keep reading.

The book certainly is a social commentary on the pressures of living in Sydney and trying to squeeze a fledgling football career into a timetable that doesn’t have room for it, and the casual dropping of certain places, animals, events and even brand names gives this a genuine Australian feel. A feeling of familiarity to the reader that suggests that this might not be fiction after all.

As an author of football fiction myself, I was in awe of the freedom in the writing. The structure of the sentences and paragraphs don’t follow the usual norm, the use of present tense gives the reader a sense of being right there in the moment, and the ability to dip into somewhat taboo subjects were done with much authority.

Of course, with the good there is the bad. Some of the coach talk is perhaps a little underdone, a little dumbed down perhaps for a knowledgeable football audience, but it doesn’t affect the readability at all. There were times when I had to re-read a section of dialogue to know who said what; that could have been my tired self getting too caught up in the book in the early hours of the morning. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get to a logical chapter break when I first started reading, but those little footballs every few pages were very useful. The repercussions of some of the actions of the characters were soft too, although a month-long grounding and a ban from football wouldn’t exactly make good reading, would it?

When I finished the book at some ungodly hour of the morning, I searched up the Goodreads reviews. For a book that still effectively being launched, there are many, and it is clear that the publisher values these reviews – most of them are transparent letting you know that the reviewer got a free copy from the publisher in exchange for a review, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Not all reviews had 5 stars either, and some even wanted the author to go back to the style of her previous work. I’ll be giving this one 5 stars though. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, it was a storyline based in circles where I tread, and I can see bits of myself and others in the characters, although that’s between you and me.

If you’re a parent of an aspiring footballer, read this book. It will have you hooked immediately. You have been warned.

That’ll be Katerina on the left, Audrey and her mum on the right, and Griffin in the middle. That’s how I see it anyway.

City turn up the heat on Inter

Inter Lions 1 Blacktown City 3

The new-look Inter Lions and Blacktown City NPL U20 squads faced off on Sunday in testing conditions at Majors Bay as the visitors overcame an onslaught to power to an impressive win. In hot, humid conditions, a rocket from Brianna Tinney saw City take the lead after a period of pressure, but the 1-0 half-time lead lasted only moments into the second period when Sarah Bownas equalised for the home side. Inter looked to turn the screw, but the visiting City regained their composure to take command, and goals from Sam Cole and Hayley Reynolds secured a statement win to begin the 2024 pre-season with a step in the right direction.

Shooting with the slight breeze in the first half, City were on the front foot almost immediately. The Inter defence looked calm and assured in front of goalkeeper Jemma Horley, but the outlet to midfield was proving difficult to find. Niamh Nolan almost intercepted in the opening exchanges, before Emily Jackson had the first chance, but her shot lacked any power. The industrious Sienna Bell then fired in a low shot, but straight at the goalkeeper, and Izzy Saunders was foiled by the quick thinking of Emma Chiew as City pressed.

Inter were slow to attack, although Claudia Janus almost capitalised on a City mistake but she was crowded out quickly. Reynolds almost played in Saunders, a last ditch tackle denying her the chance of a run on goal, and Bell crossed from the right only for a defender to get a toe in to deny Saunders again. The first drinks break of the afternoon was welcome, the players already beaming from their efforts in the hot sun.

City continued their heavy pressure, Nolan fired in a shot that was straight at the goalkeeper, before Saunders was fed by Jackson and her shot was saved by Horley, the rebound grabbed quickly by the busy shot-stopper. Inter’s Cleo Gavagna was hassling well in midfield to make things happen, but Jackson fed Reynolds and her shot was touched wide for a corner. Saunders’ corner was deflected high by a defender, bouncing off the bar for a second corner and the ball eventually fell for Saunders who fired in a shot that flashed just over the bar.

Tinney scampered up the left to swing in a teasing cross, but the frustration continued for the City front-line as Horley made the save and the scores remained level going into the second drinks break of the half.

A forceful run by Abby Duggan on the City right saw Jackson played through, but she couldn’t control the pass, and there was a momentum swing as Inter enjoyed a period of possession, Bownas and Janus making in-roads up the left-hand side. Just as Inter thought they had weathered the storm, City found new outlets, Tinney racing down the left to cross well, and soon after, when she found herself in space within striking distance, she took a step and unleashed a fierce shot from fully 25 yards that flew over Horley and into the net for a sensational opening goal. What a hit, and the celebrations were merited for a moment of magic that brought the game to life.

Nolan was clearly brought down for a stonewall penalty a minute later, the referee with his eye elsewhere when the challenge was made, and Inter survived, and the half ended with Lucia Franulovic racing up the left to cross, but again the lack of numbers in the box meant that Horley could intercept easily.

A single goal advantage at the break was scant reward for the possession and the shots, and the players were glad to take refuge from the oppressive conditions in the shade of the changing rooms.

Inter Lions came out flying in the second half and were level within a minute of the restart. The half-time soul-searching paid dividends almost immediately. A hesitant City defence allowed Janus to feed Annabelle Banfield, and her expert cross from the right was spilled by goalkeeper Ash McIntyre allowing Bownas to finish into the gaping goal for 1-1. Mira Thomas then played Bownas clean through but she had gone early, the assistant’s flag quick to go up to foil the attack, before a carbon copy of the goal saw Janus force the ball out wide to Banfield, and Janus raced to meet the delightful cross only for McIntyre to make amends with a point-blank stop right in front. It was all Inter, and the alarm bells were ringing in the City dugout.

Good hassling by Cole on the left won a corner for the visitors, and Nolan did well to intercept and fire in a shot, but it was straight at Horley. Good battling by Jackson saw an inviting cross whipped in but there were no takers, and Cole raced through only to stand on the ball and hit the ground spectacularly, the referee unmoved as play continued. This was now a very even game and the first break of the second half was welcome to allow City to regroup and focus on the task ahead.

Inter played out from the back with style, Horley to Sinead Fisher, in to Gavagna and then long, that seemed to be the key to unlocking the City defence. Chiew played in Bownas, Aurelia Smith having to concede a corner. The corner was dealt with easily, and play went up the other end where Saunders went on a mazy run that brought a good save from Horley.

The game seemed to be slipping away from City though, and another tentative moment from McIntyre and some pedestrian defence forced Lara Green to hack the ball behind with Janus in close proximity. Gavagna’s corners were dangerous, but the visiting defence was dominant in the air, and only a wayward shot from close in front prevented Inter from taking the lead. Emilia Jaglica then fed Bownas but she ran out of room to find the shot.

All of a sudden City sprung on the attack and with the ball worked up the left and inside, a superb ball found Cole racing through on the right, and her low shot arrowed into the net for 2-1. There was confusion as the Inter players tried to convince the officials that the ball had gone through the side-netting, but the ball had clearly gone in and eventually the goal was awarded as the Inter Lions defenders shaped to restart with a goal kick. City now had the impetus, and a crunching tackle by midfield enforcer Bell led into the final drinks break of the game.

A wild clearance from Ellen McCartney handed a corner to City and Saunders’ corner found the head of Smith, but she could only head it high into the air. Courtney Kitching battled well to win another corner, but this time it was too long. Could City hang on for the win? Well, they went one better. A cheap free kick was conceded in midfield and Blacktown sent their defenders forward to add some steel in the penalty area. Saunders swung in a teasing ball from the free-kick, Horley could only help the ball up high under pressure, and as the ball fell, with Smith and Reynolds racing in to challenge, the hip of Reynolds sent the ball into the net and City had the vital goal to settle the contest. The dubious goals panel may decide that the goal did in fact go to Saunders, but Reynolds got the final touch.

Janus continued to battle well down the Inter right, but it was all too late. City had secured the win in this first pre-season fixture of 2024. The conditions were not conducive to fast flowing football and the drinks breaks did disrupt the natural flow of the contest, but we are thankful that we got a game at all today.

City will be pleased with the victory, although quite rightly concerned by the slow start to the second half that almost saw them trailing, after totally dominating the first half. We have a month of games ahead of us before the real action begins, and an even sterner test awaits next Sunday when Blacktown City travel to face local rivals and NPL1 heavyweights Blacktown Spartans at the home of Western Sydney Wanderers. Look forward to seeing you all there!

Note : Thanks for reading. This is a weekly report that brings you NPL football action not normally covered by any media outlet. If you like it, share it and let people from the opposing team know about it. The quality of the photos this week is poor. Not sure what happened, but there is a blur about most of them that matches the blur in my eyes after being in the sun all afternoon! Stand by for more pre-season action next weekend.

Sydney’s rabid second-half siege

Sydney FC Women 3 Perth Glory 1

A game that appeared to be adhering to a familiar pattern burst into life in the second half as Sydney FC asserted their dominance and swept visitors Perth Glory aside with a fabulous display of relentless attacking. After conceding a ridiculous goal to cancel out Maddie Caspers’ classy opener, the Sky Blue fans were feeling jaded at the break and in need of a pump up. However, a marvellous double from superstar Cortnee Vine and non-stop offensive play coinciding with the samba beat of the Cove made this a night to remember at Leichhardt Oval.

Sydney FC versus the dogs. Sydney FC won but blood was spilled

A relaxing afternoon at the Orange Grove Hotel, a good ten minute walk from Leichhardt Oval, watching Sydney FC men’s team throw away a two goal lead on our mobile phones (honestly, is there any pub other than Cheers Bar that has Paramount Plus?) and grabbing a tasty bite from the Thai restaurant, was thrown into disarray as two dogs went absolutely bezerk outside the front of the pub. A passing Alsatian latched on to a poor fella’s Retriever and the owners battled to control the Inspector Rex type dog as it went in for the kill, right outside the window where we were sitting. There was shouting and growling and a big struggle.

Cue our very own Dr Dolittle, Michelle, who leapt into action with Tim and headed outside to help subdue the out-of-control police dog and prevent a canine death right on our doorstep. The owner of the Retriever, who up until then had been enjoying a late-afternoon schooner in the sun, was left with deep cuts on his hand, while the owner of the Alsatian had been dragged to the floor by her powerful dog and was in a right state. It was honestly like something you see on a shitty American show like When Good Dogs Go Bad, and was a case of an inappropriate dog for the size and strength of the owner.

As a result, we were running a little later than usual, Michelle’s adrenaline levels running high and she had to wash the blood off her arms before we left, and we came through the gates at 6.50pm under the watchful eye of membership guru Shane, with only ten minutes to see our gang on the Hill before heading around to the Cove in the far end of the main stand. They were already in good voice as we walked around to join them.

This antique boutique stadium is known to Tigers’ fans as the 7th wonder of the world, and you could see why tonight, families gathered on the hill in front of the scoreboard in the sun, a good turnout in the main stand, and Red, Perth Glory’s awayday superfan, in place in the away bay in the corner. The scene was set for a fabulous footballing occasion, Sydney FC looking to keep their momentum going

The game kicked off with Sydney FC on the front foot. They looked in total command, although there were some strange sub-plots. The referee seemed to be intent on penalising the home team in every 50/50 situation and the sky blue players seemed to be ignoring captain Princess Ibini when she was in space in favour of shooting from distance. Mackenzie Hawkesby fired wildly over, Caspers shot weakly from distance when trying to catch the goalkeeper off her line, but Sydney did get their noses in front when Vine, tormenting her defender on the right, played in a low cross that Caspers controlled and fired low into the net for 1-0. Brilliant control and finish from a brilliant player.

It was one-way traffic, and as our Cove capo MMTV asked around to confirm the goalscorer, Indiana Dos Santos wriggled into the box and was upended for a certain penalty, the referee having no hesitation to point to the spot. Up stepped Ibini as we called for Caspers to take it, and she placed her penalty too high and too close to the Perth keeper who punched it spectacularly away. Bloody hell.

Perth Glory came forward and Sydney looked a little light on numbers as play reached the edge of the box. A home team player fell on the ball and handled, it looked like it was in the penalty area, but with no VAR to study the millimetres, the referee awarded a free kick right on the edge. The protracted setting up of the wall eventually led to the impressive Hannah Lowry bending a vicious ball into the six yard box, where Jada Whyman and Shay Hollman got in each other’s way and the ball somehow found its way into the net for a dramatic equaliser, completely against the run of play.

Dos Santos gave us a bit of Brazilian magic on the left, doing a Pele flick to try and evade her marker; great entertainment but a little out of context with the scores at 1-1. Hawkesby gave us quite the opposite, frusratingly firing a corner kick behind the goal. This was turning into one of those performances.

The Cove were having a tough time too. Maybe it was lethargy, maybe it was the acoustics of where we were standing, there was something not quite right, but all credit to those in attendance, we kept on singing (rather badly it seemed) until the end of the half.

The mood at half time was one of frustration. Sydney FC had been completely on top, some poor finishing and wasteful final balls into the box had given Glory the opportunity to equalise with their first and only chance of the half. The Cove moved back to their now-traditional position, a little bit in from the north end of the main stand, and immediately the volume went up and it felt like the women’s Cove we know and love.

The home team came out with intent at the start of the second half, Vine was full of running, Ibini seemed to have more purpose, and there was a spring in their step. Hawkesby fired so far over it was hard to see where she was aiming, but then a goal of pure simplicity opened up the visiting defence. Ibini received the ball centrally and turned to play in Vine. The Matildas superhero advanced and buried a low shot into the bottom corner of the net for a fabulous finish to reclaim the lead.

Dos Santos bundled through two challenges but was beaten to the ball by the keeper as Sydney threatened to run away with it, Ibini fired just over, there were a flurry of corners from both sides ofthe field, one of them a dreadful training-ground routine that was played low into the wrong area, but it looked like only the home team would add to their tally. Vine did one of those classic ‘inadvertent touch with one foot and air swing with the other’ but made it look intentional and almost set up a third.

MMTV bravely introduced a new chant to the fray, a Vengaboys number that everyone cottoned on to pretty quickly and the main stand was bouncing to the tune of Brazil. A rocky start to the evening in a character-less void only ten metres to the left had become a seminal evening in a brilliant atmosphere.

Sydney made their usual set of subs, Caspers unlucky to make way after a stellar performance, and as she was walking around the field, Sydney struck the final blow. The goal will be remembered as being Vine’s second, but the real story was the through ball, Dos Santos picking up a loose ball in the middle of the park and playing the most intricate pass through for Vine to run on to. Vine beat the keeper but was forced wide and when she shot, she barely got any purchase on it, and the defender sliding in to block slid right past it as it rolled slowly over the line behind her for a freakish third goal. The Cove was by now in nirvana, there was some fabulous play right down in front of us, Kirsty Fenton showing us a rare glimpse tonight of her forward play (we won’t forget your time up front), Vine doing her best to hold the ball up in the corner and a couple of tasty nutmegs wowing the home crowd.

The final whistle was greeted with big cheers and the players were quick to come across and acknowledge the Cove. The players linked hands and cheered before the much-loved Super Sydney FC chant was shared between players and fans. It feels great to be connected.

This was the perfect second-half performance, Sydney had played with spirit and were so switched on; any loose ball was pounced on, and they showed street smarts in a game that could have gone a different way at half time. The players were given so much love by the fans, Vine and partner Charlotte Mclean spending all their time on the far side of the field. The players were loving it. The young fans were loving it. This was what supporting Sydney FC was all about.

Players received gifts, Cortnee was given a picture of herself as a Simpsons character, super fan Tiarna outdid herself with this week’s banner and handed out cards with each player’s name and number on a sky blue shirt on the front – very impressive. The stadium emptied very quickly once the final player had gone down the the tunnel, the seccies ushering the stubborn crowd out, and the players mingled with the fans as they left the side gate together. Mackenzie and Nat Tobin worked the crowd, while Tori Tumeth sang Super Sydney FC doing the Viking Clap as she walked to her car in the adjacent carpark. Everything was good in the world. Sydney FC women had won, but more importantly they had played very well in the second half. The belief is back.

Haven’t you people got homes to go to?

We were back home by 10pm – I dunno maybe it was even earlier – what a great way to spend a Saturday night to wash away the Socceroos’ Asian Cup disappoint, and what a shot in the arm for all the Cove fans to have ended the game on a high and with the rest of the crowd joining in.

A day that started with a dog fight ended with a purring Sydney FC team. In Maddie Caspers we have a special talent, in Jordan Thompson we have a quality defender who has stepped in so well into the big space left by our captain, and the lack of an out-and-out striker wasn’t even noticed in the second half as the Sky Blues wrapped up a fine win to keep up with the leaders with only seven games to go in the 2023/2024 season.

Get in! Forza Sydney FC. In Ante we trust.

Sydney repay the faith

Sydney FC Women 2 Newcastle Jets 1

The faithful fans of Sydney FC’s women’s team didn’t have to wait long for redemption following Wednesday night’s horror defeat at Leichhardt Oval as the Sky Blues served up their own dramatic win to sink the Newcastle Jets in a thrilling finish. The visitors had scored in the first half through Philippines international star Sarina Bolden, and the game looked to be going with the pattern of the season towards another frustrating no-show at home until young gun Maddie Caspers levelled and Zara Kruger won it at the death to leave the Jets players slumped on the turf in dismay. Sydney’s members’ open day ended in triumph in difficult hot conditions; this was almost the exact opposite to the scene midweek and the wheels are back on for the run in to the end of the season.

  • Shade is good
  • Moving on in
  • Here come the Jets
  • Shops at Woolies
  • Streaming in

Conditions on Sunday afternoon were hot. The UV index was off the charts and there was not a breath of wind as the Sydney FC women members congregated under the big trees next to the main entrance of Leichhardt Oval, over two hours before kick off. Parking in the area adjacent to the stadium was plentiful, most Sydney inhabitants hibernating from the harsh conditions. The gates opened and the Sydney fans filed in as the Newcastle Jets team bus arrived, the visiting players largely ignored, save for a few heckles, as they made their way to the changing rooms. That was our destination too – this much-loved annual event, hosted by membership guru Shane, taking us straight into the home changing room.

  • Tigers everywhere
  • Just in case they forget
  • What’s on today
  • Tactics
  • McLean small c

The coaches were setting up the room, Ante Juric scribing some thoughtful words to generate conversation in his team, the team line-up had Princess Ibini up front and Indiana Dos Santos on the left, Shay Hollman back in alongside Mackenzie Hawkesby and the superstar Caspers straight back into the team after being signed by the club. This was ground-breaking, but somewhat forced upon the squad after two concussion calls during the week. To be this close to the off-field action was a real treat, Cortnee Vine’s shirt was naturally the most photographed, and to see the line-up being written on the whiteboard before it was public made us feel very priveleged.

We made our way up to the Centurions Lounge at the top of the main stand in lovely airconditioning while the second of the two groups of fans had their moment in the changing rooms. Shane played the part of warm-up act perfectly – he always has interesting facts about the club, from being a foundation member and being involved in the club since it began. Membership numbers are up by significant multiples on last year, which at least will make the juggling act of ordering jerseys for next year’s stock a little easier – interest is at an all-time high and shirts will sell. Ante then joined us for a Q&A, which was fantastic.

  • In the corner
  • Young neighbours
  • Alyse and Aurelia
  • Waiting patiently
  • Whn Ante speaks we listen

Our coach gave us the inside scoop on what he said to the referee at Allianz Stadium to earn a red card after the win against Western United, which the audience enjoyed immensely (it’s a secret between members), and he let us know how proud he was that his team could be second in the ladder after today after coping with such a difficult patch during an injury-laden season. The balance of work and football also raised its head, Juric holding a full-time position in a school as well as all his footballing duties – what a man! Leaving to applause, he was replaced at the lectern by our relaxed captain Nat Tobin, a character who is both engaging and thoughtful with her words when she addresses the fans. The common theme with Ante’s session was a disdain for Melbourne Victory and a desire to win in Melbourne on Australia Day, but she was happy to update the fans on her own injury situation and reveal what it was like to be a non-playing mentor this season.

The Premiers’ plate and the A-League championship trophy were on display for fans to marvel at, before cards were scanned and we entered the main stand from the very top, a new way to enter the stadium for most of us. We had an hour before kick off, this had been a great initiative by the club, and we established camp in the Cove area and went on the search for food and drink. Mainly drink. It was 40 degrees.

  • Nat Tobin is our captain
  • Trophy hunter
  • Reserved
  • Into the furnace
  • Jets and Sydney FC mingle

The players emerged into the roasting hot arena to warm up as we raided the Little Tokyo food stall on the opposite side of the ground. Newcastle Jets’ super fan and Blacktown City coach Lucas was in attendance, confident of a result, hoping his team would emulate the Mariners’ success here four days previous, but hoping to right the Jets’ ship after Friday night’s pasting for the men’s teeam at Allianz. We grabbed some tastily-priced food and much-needed drinks, marvelling at the importance that shade was already playing today.

  • No 1 super fan
  • Face paint
  • Any shade will do
  • Looking pristine
  • Wayne Peace was here

The scoreboard on the hill side of the stadium looked to be in some kind of disrepair – hopefully the scoreboard operator would be a little more up to date than Wednesday night, when they’d popped out for a smoko while the goals were going in. The hole in the scoreboard could have been simply the operator creating some breeze to cool the hot box inside. There was no one in full sun on the hill or in the seats below. The sun was simply too fierce.

  • Warm up not needed
  • Keepers in action
  • Picture perfect
  • We are Sydney
  • Princess of the Toin Coss

The emergence of the players for the line-ups prompted our fearless capo MMTV into action, the drum ready for a workout and We Are Sydney was belted out. This would potentially be a tough crowd to motivate, a little bit of fatigue and listlessness in the hot conditions, the sweat marks left on the plastic seats a testament to the stinking temperature. Beer cans were replaced by water bottles, but the songs continued unabated, the crowd favourite Super Sydney FC chant getting an early airing.

The game was settling in to an arm-wrestle with 15 minutes on the clock. Sydney FC had the majority of the play, but it was the Jets who looked the more decisive and threatening with the ball. Sure enough, suspect distribution from super-keeper Jada Whyman played the home team into trouble – the defence was way too deep as the ball was worked out to the right with one-touch precision and the cross found Bolden unmarked, Charlotte Mclean nowhere near her player, and the Jets’ striker thumped home the header for 1-0. The referee signalled immediately for a drinks break, the Cove mid-chant but not too keen to finish it off after another sucker punch.

The ball over the top looked like being the main source of threat from the home team, Vine willing to do the running, and there were chances. The referee overruled the assistant with an offside that had the fans incensed, and there was an offside goal for the home team that wasn’t even celebrated as the flag was up early. Caspers played in Vine who tricked her way onto her left foot and trickled a shot towards goal that tickled the post, then she was played in clean through, only for her dinked shot to curl onto the same post, and the rebound was hacked away. This was exciting, but frustrating at the same time – Vine smashed a shot miles wide and Sydney’s final ball just wasn’t finding a target. After another drinks break just after the half-hour mark, Sydney pressed further, but they remained blunt up front and a 1-0 deficit was not a shock at half time.

  • Action too close to our goal
  • Shade expands
  • Drinks break
  • Running repairs
  • Meat raffle

The shade was starting to advance onto the Northern end, allowing more home fans to spread out around the stadium. Drum repairs were undertaken on the spot to help maintain the rhythm, and the half-time members’ draw piqued everyone’s interest to see who would walk away with signed shirts and free memberships. Alas no wins this year!

Sydney resisted making changes, despite the testing conditions, and started the second half with a spring in their step. Indiana Dos Santos went direct and hoisted in a cross that Vine smashed off the post on the volley. Three times off the post already. As we were recovering from that, Vine won the ball back and clipped in a beautiful cross for the incoming Caspers, who was the only player who really wanted the ball, and she nodded home for an excellent equaliser. All the players rushed in to congratulate her, what an achievement! We now had a game on. There was a little bit of spice out there, some coming-togethers as tempers frayed in the heat. This was developing into a tense finish.

  • Action
  • Getting closer
  • We won!
  • Yes, we won!

Sydney had plenty of corners, but the Jets’ keeper was dominant, although Tori Tumeth bundled the ball just wide of the post from one corner from the right, and there was panic in the Newcastle defence. Which way this game would go was anyone’s guess. Every time the Jets went forward there were nails being bitten, Bolden making a nuisance of herself, but the Sydney defence remaining strong.

As is often the case in these games, the crowd started to become increasingly feverish, every good pass cheered and every referee decision against Sydney booed with gusto. It looked as though we were going to settled for a draw though, Kruger replacing our superstar Caspers and the Dos Santos sisters swapping for each other. Kirsty Fenton then showed us just why she is revered by the home fans, bundling through three tackles before being upended, and when our tough-tackling left back gets in the zone, that’s the only way to stop her. There was almost a repeat of the Vine goal against Western United, a long searching ball seeing the right-winger nip in front of the keeper, but this time the defence was alert. The Jets fired just over the bar late into the 90 minutes. Perhaps a draw was inevitable.

The eight minutes of stoppage time were reaching their conclusion when Fenton played an unintended one-two with Mackenzie Hawkesby and chose to go central with the long ball instead of wide to Vine. That left Kruger in space. Would the ball fall in time? The two last defenders turned like tractors, the goalkeeper raced out and as the crowd held their collective breath, most people thinking it was Macca, the young star hooked the ball effortlessly into the net for an incredible winning goal. No suggestion of offside, nothing wrong with that one, and we had well and truly erased Wednesday from our memories, the whole team racing to congratulate another young gun’s debut goal as the Cove went bananas. B.a.n.a.n.a.s.

  • Crown awaits
  • Kruger and Caspers in demand
  • Prinny pen work

The final whistle sounded almost immediately after the kick off, and the crowd was still excited. Did we deserve that win? Probably yes, but it would not have been a surprise to see it go the other way such is our luck at the moment. Was there relief in the crowd? Yes there was. It seems like an eternity since we won a game here, and the scenes after the final-whistle took us back to the halcyon days where the crowd were eager to celebrate the win with their heroes in Sky Blue and the crowd was a sea of happy faces. The players came across and linked hands to cheer the Cove, who were still in position up in the main stand. Super Sydney FC rang out and the players joined in. Traditions are being made. This is what it’s all about.

Contrary to Wednesday night’s debacle where the majority of players raced off the field and the crowd emptied as the rain thrashed down, it was sunsine and smiles tonight at the final whistle. Normal service had been resumed and everything was in full working order at Sydney FC; we’d even scored more than one goal for the first time in ten games. Quite the stat for a free-scoring team in previous seasons.

We left Leichhardt Oval and jumped into the air-conditioned car, back in the north western suburbs 20 minutes later. This had been a fantastic day out. The women’s members day is a favourite day in the season’s calendar, well done to Shane for putting on a great event, and thanks to Ante and Nat for taking time out of their match day preparations to answer the many questions from the growing membership. One day we’ll not be able to get a spot at these members’ days, such is the rising profile of women’s football; that will be a nice problem to have. Until then though, we’ll rejoice in being part of a progressive football club that looks after its members and is more than happy to listen and answer. Good luck to both of our teams in Melbourne, we’ll be cheering on from Sydney, bring it home please!

Sky Blues lost at sea

Sydney FC Women 1 Central Coast Mariners 2

The time has come to face some home truths. If you can’t say anything positive, don’t say anything at all, that seems to be the mantra when you are a die-hard supporter. Add to that, if you can’t do any better, shut the f*ck up is also appropriate at this point. Criticism of your team puts you in the same boat as the fly-by-night part-time supporter who turns up in the good times and disappears when times get tough. Having said that, and at the risk of being alienated and snubbed for expressing unpopular opinions, let’s take an honest look at a Sydney FC performance that was so bad that when the players finally made five passes stick, it made them look like Brazil. Our girls in blue lost at home against a team below them in the league; they played the last 20 minutes of the game against 10 players, the opponents without a recognised goalkeeper and the Sky Blues still managed to throw it all away at the end. But let’s try and look at the positives first.

Heading to the game during peak hour in the rain was inevitably a risky manoeuvre, but we arrived quickly thanks to the new tunnel from Olympic Park straight to Leichhardt, and found a prime car spot right in front of the Orange Grove Hotel, the closest pub to Leichhardt Oval. Dinner was delicious, and a quick pint took us to half an hour before kick off. The rain was getting heavier, so we made the audacious call to jump in the car to drive to the stadium in the faint hope that there would be space at the car park in front of the main entrance. Lo and behold, it was busy, cars circling the car park like Christmas Eve at Bondi Junction, but thanks to some marvellous timing someone pulled out and some precision parking had us in a prime spot. The day was going so well!

Despite the persistent rain, it wasn’t torrential, there seemed to be a decent number of people already in the stadium, and we made our way up to the Cove area, which was a little fuller than normal due to the hill being soaked. A precautionary beat of the drum signalled that this was the active section and a number of people took the unsubtle hint to find a more peaceful seat. The players had finished their warm up, the teams were announced, Ante Juric sitting this one out after his red card on the weekend and Tom Whiteside prowling the touchline in his absence.

The Hawk was in place, the inflatable costume sitting watching the action from seat 8 after its owners had worked out how to make it airtight. The players emerged and “We Are Sydney” was belted out, during the line-ups, at the kick off and well into the first few minutes of the game. The atmosphere was positive, and we settled in to enjoy the game and cheer on our famous girls in blue.

Capo Michelle had decided to make the Cove chants PG after copping grief at Allianz Stadium, and the substituting of ‘Stuff’ for ‘F*ck’ when berating our rivals and proclaiming that Sydney FC are our number one was both amusing and thoughtful. This was good fun. But the football served up on the field was more of what we’ve seen in the last few weeks, and it started to become frustrating and annoying as any hint of forward momentum was lost with an aimless ball or a misplaced pass into touch.

The Mariners should have scored early on, Jada Whyman standing her ground to force a one-on-one behind for a corner. Sydney were their own worst enemies, their lack of pace and obvious lack of conditioning making their sprightly opponents look a step ahead. Princess Ibini at least did connect with a defensive header when forced to clear instead of shying away from it, and Sydney FC did have a good chance when Aideen Keane took a difficult pass under control but poked the ball well wide when she should have scored.

The Mariners took the lead, deservedly so, after about half an hour, but the goal was a freak. The Sydney defence was hesitant to close down a cross from the corner that was way too long anyway, but the Mariners left back struck a wayward cross-shot that screwed off Charlotte Mclean’s foot and fizzed past Whyman for 1-0. It was a shock to Sydney, but from the stands it was no surprise, and the difference in tempo and physicality between the two teams suggested that the home team was off the pace and even disinterested. The usually dependable Taylor Ray played balls straight to the Mariners defence, Tori Tumeth looked like she had concrete boots on, and up front Janaya Dos Santos was marshalled off the ball every time she was in possession. The tactic of trying to play the ball over the top was repeated ad nauseum, the ball never getting anywhere near as the Mariners defence continued to beat their less physical opponents. The Mariners were quick to slow the game down, and a series of injuries held up play leading to a good chunk of injury time. The referee was grating on the nerves of every Sydney FC fan with some of the decisions – a drop ball being given to the Mariners after play was stopped with Sydney in possession after the defender had been hit in the head with the ball in a promising position. How does that work? The half-time whistle allowed the fans to share their thoughts about what had been a horrible first half, but we were still confident of a turnaround, despite the lacklustre showing. That’s what happened on Sunday, so why not?

Aideen Keane was sacrificed as always at half-time, (why is that?) Cortnee Vine entering the fray to huge applause. Ante may have been absent, but the tactical switches were textbook Ante, Abby Lemon coming on for Dos Santos soon after the restart. The half-time team talk must have been spicy as there was an extra verve about Sydney FC, and there were passages of play that made the fans almost start cheering every pass with an ole. The tactic of feeding the ball constantly to Vine was becoming a little predictable, and she did have a couple of good chances, losing control as she was about to shoot on one occasion, and beating the offside trap before losing control soon after. The time-wasting continued from the visitors, the goalkeeper rewarded with a yellow card for her unconvincing game management, and Sydney FC sensed a change in momentum.

So did the crowd, and the Cove stepped up a level as the rest of the crowd seemed to wake up. Vine dribbled around her player and almost ran in a full circle, Ibini started to take on her players a little more, and Kirsty Fenton was once again the main source of positive play on the left. The key moment in the game came when Lemon raced on to Fenton’s raking ball. She looked offside but entered a foot race with the goalkeeper, getting there ahead of her, and flopping to the ground after touching the ball around her. It was barely a touch but over she went and the referee jogged over, as the Sydney fans bayed for blood.

There was no red card, but the realisation that the keeper had already been booked for time-wasting kicked in, and the yellow card resulted in a red anyway. This was it, the moment we needed to seize the game. The Mariners had no goalkeeper after replacing their injured goalkeeper Casey Dumont at half-time, so one of their defenders went in goal and didn’t look at all confident despite some bravado. From the teasing free-kick the keeper was in a mess as Tumeth challenged and the ball dropped for the Sydney defender to thump home, but the referee had already blown for the foul, a very tenuous one as the amateur goalkeeper was never going to hold on to it.

The time-wasting went up a notch, the Mariners physio taking her sweet time to come on at one point, but all Sydney had to do was get the ball on target. They continued to threaten, but for all the possession inside the penalty area they couldn’t open up the stout Central Coast defence. Sydney were reduced to nine players at one point after having two players sent to the sideline after injury, but it was one-way traffic, albeit with a very blunt attack. Ibini teased her way around her player down the left but her cross was awful, she then cut inside and shaped to shoot, blazing a shot over as the Sydney fans buried their heads in their hands.

Finally, within a couple of minutes of what would be a lengthy injury time, a free-kick a long way out and with Sydney camped in the penalty area, Mackenzie Hawkesby decided to go for goal. The ball flew through the air straight at the makeshift goalkeeper, whose handling was suspect and the ball was palmed over the line for an equalising goal. Leichhardt Oval was ablaze! The home team had five or so minutes to find a winner. Alas, they took their eye off the job, and with the additional time continuing, Mariners broke up field. Unbelievably Sydney found themselves defending a corner all of a sudden. Whyman couldn’t hold the corner, it popped out to the left where Tumeth blocked the shot, but the ball bounced up off her leg and struck her hand. Before anyone had even appealed for the penalty, the referee pointed to the spot, and an unvbeleivable game had take an incredible twist.

Up stepped the impressive Chinese import Wurigumala, but her spot-kick was straight at Whyman. Before the Sydney shot-stopper could get to her feet though, the Mariners striker was onto the rebound and fired home past a despairing dive, racing off to celebrate with the bench for what would have most likely been the last kick of the game.

Sydney completely wasted the kick off, booting the ball into touch, but they may have known that time was up, and the Mariners players raced to their defender in goal to celebrate a most improbable victory. It was difficult not to be happy for them after pulling off the most dramatic heist ever, but the majority of the ire from the crowd was directed at the referee, coach Whiteside following in his mentor’s footsteps by giving the whistler a serve as she walked off the field.

The heavens had truly opened by now, and the majority of the Sydney team were off down the tunnel in disgrace, leaving the young fans on the sideline disappointed. To be fair, mums and dads were keen to get their children out of the rain, and only a few Mariners players remained to have a word with their friends and families as the crowd filtered away. Charlotte Mclean and Cortnee Vine ran past us to the car park, avoiding the screams, and the evening was hastily wrapped up as we waded through the water to the car.

Back home at an incredibly weeknight-friendly time of 9.45pm, thanks to the rockstar car park next to the stadium, we tried to dissect that experience. One to forget perhaps, but the determination and emotion of the Mariners players had earned them the most satisfying of wins possible for the league’s comeback club.

Sydney FC had once again shown that they are not a patch on previous years’ teams. Without dwelling too much on it, Mackenzie Hawkesby can surely step up and boss games like she used to – we haven’t seen it yet. Princess Ibini frustrates; she is capable of incredible things but we see a reluctance to take on her player and a hesitation to try and beat a player for pace. We’ve seen it before, she can hit a shot top corner after a drop of the shoulder to beat her defender, but we’re just not seeing that level of belief. Abby Lemon is a battler, and the fans like that; Taylor Ray is too, but we’re yet to see her grit and dependability return. Tori Tumeth looks a yard off the pace, despite some impressive tackling, and in fact across the board, with a few exceptions, the players don’t seem to have the level of fitness required to compete at the top of the A-League. We marvelled over India Dos Santos when she burst onto the scene, but she needs the ball, needs space and perhaps needs game time, and Kirsty Fenton is probably the crowd favourite right now, capable of taking on players, commanding the space and seeing opportunities.

The way we are playing right now, when the end of the season comes and we scrape into the finals before Cortnee Vine and Charlotte Mclean leave for whatever magical overseas opportunity awaits them, that Women’s World Cup fever will have completely evaporated. The young fans will no longer want to come to see a team of battlers that languishes in mid-table, we need to put it right and fast. I can’t put my finger on it, and there may be a thousand reasons and not one, but this is fast becoming a difficult team to enjoy.

I’m going to regret these words when I read this back, but the emotions inside me are running hot right now. See you at the next game, and we’ll cheer extra loud for our heroes in Sky Blue. Forza Sydney FC.

Sydney weather storm to sneak home

Western United Women 0 Sydney FC Women 1

A fantastic afternoon of passionate support for our Sydney FC women’s team at Allianz Stadium saw a solitary Cortnee Vine goal enough to overcome Western United in a Grand Final rematch on day three of the inaugural A-League Unite Round. After battling to stay in the game in a one-sided first half, the tide turned when Sydney FC played towards their beloved Cove with the wind at their backs and a moment of magic pinched the three points. With the celebrations complete, the sparsely populated stadium was then virtually empty as this unpopular expirement limped home with an exciting men’s game in front of surely less than 1,000 fans.

A very very late night after the Socceroos success in game one of their Asian Cup campaign meant a late start to Sunday, nothing a spicy cocktail and a late lunch couldn’t fix at the Dove and Olive on Devonshire Street amongst the young and groovy crowd. Stumbling back out onto the street, the approaching light rail in the distance snapped us into action, Carla setting an electrifying pace and we reached the stop with seconds to spare, launching ourselves into the last carriage as the beeps were sounding. We were awake now, panting furiously, and after recreating the photo we had taken barely 18 hours earlier near the Moore Park light rail stop, we walked up Driver Avenue to our spiritual home of Allianz Stadium.

The fact that cars were parked along the road suggested that the authorities were expecting a miniature attendance, and there were indeed very few people around the stadium as we made our way through the main gate. Sydney FC’s biggest Mackenzie Hawkesby fan was there to greet us, showing us her very colourful artwork – very impressive!

The TV crew seemed to know something we didn’t, all the equipment covered in case of rain, and we made our way to the Cove to join the fun, not before we were forced to pour our canned drinks into plastic cups, all in the name of safety, you know. Gives me the shits that does. The Cove were about fifteen in number, and the drum was missing. That wouldn’t deter our capo and our pro drummer, who made it their aim to echo the chants around the empty stadium while drumming with empty water bottles. The fireworks blasted into the sky as the players arrived into the arena, and the horrible blasting music did its best to drown out “We Are Sydney”. They couldn’t drown it out when the game started though and it continued well into the game.

Sydney were again lacking any threat up front, the key area of concern, being the lowest scoring team in the league despite our league position. Taylor Ray was recalled, Janaya Dos Santos added to the front line alongside Aideen Keane, but the game was all Western United. The wind was in their favour, the flags flapping in the breeze, and they took the game to Sydney. Chloe Logarzo was taking their corner kicks, and she took a few, but her insistence on taking an age with her Raphael Nadal serve routine was riling up the crowd.

The chances came, Jada Whyman making a fantastic save and we all held our breath as the ball looked as if it was going in but dropped past the post. There was pinball madness, a header that should have been buried but hit the top of the bar instead, Princess Ibini inexplicably opting out of the header to leave the goal exposed, and today’s home side were in complete control – it would surely only be a matter of time before they opened the scoring.

The songs continued from the home end, Come on you Girls in Blue being sung with the fans in the corner of the northern end, and the numbers steadily grew in the safe standing end as the Cove reached impressive noise levels that bounced around the open and empty stadium.

Ducking out for a pit stop at half time, nothing at the home end was open, and we ventured around to the main stand. Those heading back in from the stadium precinct after their dart / vape brought gifts of McDonalds size 3 footballs that looked like comedy hats or even salad bowls. As a result, more people headed out to seek some freebies. People like freebies. Note to APL. Sky Blues CEO Mark Aubrey was quizzed about the drum – surely a man of his standing could source the key and get the one missing ingredient for today’s active support. Alas no, this was an APL event, and there was no access to parts of the stadium.

Have no fear though, as the knight in shining armour, Shane, came walking along the touchline with the coveted Cove drum, careful not to walk into shot of the Paramount Plus desk. Normal service could now be resumed and capo Michelle was quick to give the drum a blast even before it was properly tied in place.

The second half got underway and the Cove grew and grew. Glancing over my shoulder the average age was maybe 12, but the excitement and intrigue created by the noisy active fans brought more youngsters into the fray to enjoy the atmosphere. The seeds are sewn for future games and we’ll look forward to seeing everyone in place on Wednesday night at Leichhardt Oval.

Sydney grew into the game too, and our Matildas star Vine was on in place of Dos Santos. Suddenly they looked capable of getting the ball into the box. Vine was busy, crossing from the right to cause mayhem in the penalty area but the ball wouldn’t go in. Abby Lemon came on and suddenly injected some endeavour into Sydney’s forward play. That’s when Sydney struck, and it was a goal from nowhere, Ibini playing a tempting ball over the top into the space, the keeper advancing to cut it out, but Vine appearing from nowhere to nick the ball over the keeper’s hands and steer it into the net with a clever finish. Brilliant! Not even an offside flag to spoil the party!

Western United looked dangerous on the break, a suspicious handball at the other end was the source of a counter attack, and Vine raced away to cross for Lemon, but she couldn’t steer the ball into the net on the volley. The lack of VAR saved us and we breathed a sigh of relief as play continued. The Super Sydney FC chant took on a life of its own, continuing for ages, and by now the noise was echoing loudly. The final whistle saw hands go up on and off the field, Western United couldn’t believe that they’d lost after such a good first half, and we waited patiently as the next game’s warm up took over the field and Bohemian Rhapsody belted out way too loud over the PA.

The players were in the mood for dancing, and the Cove led them in a final rendition of Super Sydney FC, a chant that everyone now knows and loves. The players then did their signing and interview duties and there was plenty of time for everyone to have a photo or get a signature. Lovely scenes. Nice and relaxed. Smiles all round.

We sat contemplating life, weary after the fifth live game of the weekend and lacking a little energy and enthusiasm for the final game, when an invite from a mystery benefactor saw our group head up to level 2 of the Eastern stand and take a seat in one of the posh executive boxes. The view from the top was very different from our usual seats, a little further away, but level with the goal line, with the added bonus of delivery service for beers and a padded seat with drinks holders. ‘Kin champion!

We could then take in the spectacle of Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar in full comfort, and it was absolute peak A-League. Both sets of fans gave Sydney FC a chorus of ‘f*ck off Sydney FC”, the Roar fans drifted into the Cove standing area and sang songs about every other capital city other than Sydney. It was funny. They then vacated the Cove to sing a song and then returned to the Cove, as if they had been doing a call and response. Wonderful randomness.

Newcastle Jets were all over Brisbane in a one-sided first half that only ended 1-0. There was a penalty chalked off for the Roar, the attacker may even have been booked for simulation, and it looked like nothing was going their way. It was 2-1 to the Jets midway through the second half when Macklin Freke fumbled the ball twice and the game looked to be going to form. That was until the sky burst and the stadium received a drenching. Brisbane equalised with a bizarre goal, Jonas Markovski turning like lightning on the goalline and somehow forcing the ball over the line. All the good work by the Jets looked in tatters now, and sure enough a cross hit the hand of the very unfortunate Dale Ingham to gift a final chance to Jay O’Shea who buried the winner from the spot. What drama!

The fans celebrated fervently with their heroes at the end as we made our way out; the shell-shocked Newcastle players were talking with fans, looking grey in the face and sick in the stomach after an incredible collapse. We headed out of the stadium as close to the light rail as we could to avoid the rain, but it had eased a little as we made our way back to Central. A quick changeover and we were home; it was definitely a late one, a third in a row, not the ideal way to start the working week.

Another brilliant day at the football though, the beautiful Allianz Stadium never fails to produce a big-game atmosphere and well done to everyone in the Cove today who joined in to cheer our girls across the line for the win. See you at Leichhardt Oval in a couple of days!

As for the Unite Round, it was an experience. Six games in a weekend is a big effort, especially when you’re in your own town and have all the usual stuff to do in between. Thanks to all the fans who travelled, and the vibe at Cheers bar on Saturday night was just like the after-party for a Matildas or Socceroos game. Great to see so many familiar faces and lots of new ones, loved seeing the players and fans interacting at every game, and the football on offer was entertaining and exciting. There were definitely less people at the two venues we attended than there would have been for a normal league game. The weather may have been a factor, the fact that home fans would have to shell out to attend another game may have put off a few, but mainly that fans had to travel at an expensive time of year when a lot of people are on family holidays could have contributed. Having said that, 40k for the Big Bash on Friday night is a telling number, almost as many as attended the whole of the Unite Round. Do we want to do this again? I’m not sure. Give me a regular A-League game any day and we can catch up with all of Australia’s ardent and fervent football fans at the national team games. But given that this was the very first time, it was a good effort all the same. It’s probably going to happen again next year so we may as well embrace it.

You’ve seen Unite Round, now…

Adelaide United 4 Sydney FC 3

Sydney FC’s latest game against Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium, an away match at our own stadium, was game four for the weekend, and was definitely one of the most entertaining ones despite the Sky Blues’ capitulation. Having sweltered at Leichhardt Oval on Friday and caught most of the Central Coast Mariners’ game before this one, we were on a roll, and our game just had to be exciting. Taking an early lead and pounding the door for more, it was a shock to see the performance unravel and the ‘home’ team expose the frailties of the Sydney FC defence. A late comeback never really seemed on, and to call this a close result would be doing Adelaide a disservice; what we got though was a cracking A-League experience and a memorable day out at the country’s best rectangular stadium.

  • First of many
  • Qatar reunion
  • Glorious day for it
  • Cricket was on?

Our plans took an interesting twist – just missing a light rail tram by a few seconds, with a 14-minute wait til the next, we decided to walk up to our pre-game venue in Surry Hills. Walking past the Irish pub opposite the Royal Exhibition, the one where the Ireland fans had been trading chants with the Matildas fans across the road during the Women’s World Cup, and lo and behold there was King George, a familiar face from the terraces of many national team games, on his first drink. Our meeting spot was quickly rearranged and our gang converged, and it was a Qatar reunion, very appropriate ahead of the Socceroos’ first game in the Asian Cup later that night. The session was in full swing, but we made the call to get to the first game of the double-header, so Rails and myself caught the light rail up to the stadium and made our way in, ten minutes after kick off.

  • Blue is the colour
  • Sparkling stadium
  • Yellow Army – is that Central Coast or Wellington?
  • It’s a goal!

Sitting in the closest section of seats to the main gate, back where we used to sit in the old stadium when the kids were much smaller, it was a throwback to some memorable games at Allianz Stadium, the 5-2 defeat to Newcastle, the 2-2 draw with Wanderers. The football was good, one of my favourite players Christian Theoharous was starting for a change for the Mariners, and it was great to see the exciting duo of Zinedine Machach and Daniel Arzani playing for Victory in a game that didn’t mean anything to Sydney FC. The Mariners’ defence coughed up a silly penalty to hand Melbourne Victory the lead at the break and we made our way up to our usual seats up in Cove Heights, the birds eye view making it easy to see the whole field.

The Cove came to life as the game neared its completion – Mariners had scored a devastatingly simple goal to equalise and the temptation to berate the Victory fans with “f*ck you Melbourne Victory, ole” was too tempting. The Cove were in their rightful home, the crowd had been entertained, the Central Coast fans in full sun had their shirts off and were celebrating with their players. Everything was good in the world.

  • Action hots up
  • Goal for the Mariners
  • Mariners ready for the beach
  • The Cove get ready

The rest of our crew had arrived, some comedy stewarding meant that some of our group were not allowed into our mainly-vacant section – they simply walked back down the stairs, up the next set of stairs and joined us from the other direction. Definitely making us feel like the away fans in our own stadium! We went for a walk around the stadium to pick up some food and drink, and stumbled on some activations – a bit of playstation and FIFA for the kids, facepaints, and you could get a temporary tattoo of any team’s crest – nice touch!

It was good to see the Heartbeat of Football crew out again, giving free heart checks, a feature during the live site at Darling Harbour back in July. The mascots were all there, the DJ was taking special requests from the kids, and the Adelaide fans were congregating in their corner next to where the Victory fans had been. There was no sign of any Victory fans hanging around for game two of the double-header. Completing the circuit of the stadium, half of the stadium may have been unaware of the activations – there was nothing at all on the other side.

  • Technology for the young’uns
  • Tattoos, facepaint
  • Get your heart checked
  • Marvin looms
  • In between sky and blue
  • It’s not the Wiggles right?
  • Liquid smoke
  • Red fans ready for action

Back in our seats with horrifically over-priced but delicious stadium food and bev, the Cove was bouncing down below us ahead of the game. The fireworks went off, sending colourful smoke around the stadium, the players arrived on the field, and the home fans sang “We Are Sydney” in defiance at being the away team.

  • Wash away the filth before our game
  • Colour blast
  • Out come the players
  • Get excited!
  • We Are Sydney

Now, there’s no point describing the action that you can quite happily search up on Google, and to be honest, the tequilas earlier in the day had perhaps affected my memory, but the first twenty minutes Sydney FC were absolutely dominant. Shooting towards our end, Anthony Caceres scored a lovely opener, Fabio somehow missed an open goal to leave us all with our heads in our hands, it was relentless. From then on though, the Sydney FC defence stood back and watched as Adelaide tore them apart. First, the big fella Hiroshi Ibusuki tapped in as the Reds sliced right through the heart of the midfield. Then he was on hand to turn inside and beat Andrew Redmayne from pretty much the penalty spot, taking advantage of the non-existent marking of the brittle Sydney backline. We were deep into injury time in the first half, a lengthy stoppage rewarding us with another goal, this time Ibusuki flying down the left to deliver a delightful ball in. Hot property Nestory Irankunda met the cross at the far post to drill goalwards, Sydney seemed to scramble the ball away, and the whistle from the referee appeared to signal some sort of infringement to save us. That wasn’t the case though, the ref had simply blown the whistle in his excitement at the goal and in the total confusion, Irankunda did his party trick with most of the crowd unsure as to whether the goal had stood. So, half-time, and after a majestic opening to the game, Sydney FC were deep in trouble.

  • Get in there!
  • Is that a bucket I see?

The Cove was in great voice tonight, and despite being 3-1 down, the mood was one of hedony and mischief. We didn’t feel as though Sydney FC were out of it, and the next goal could be pivotal. Zac De Jesus was taken off, he’d been given a torrid time and exposed as having little to offer going forward, to be replaced by the much-maligned Jordan Courtney-Perkins, memories of the solid performances of the unwanted Kealey Adamson still fresh in the Sydney fans’ heads.

The half was going nowhere and the Sky Blues made attacking changes, crowd pleaser Maxi Burgess on and then Paddy Wood injected. Ufuk Talay was seen kicking out at the svertising hoardings in his technical area, things weren’t going well. And they got worse as an absolutely fantastic fourth goal sealed the game, a looping cross from the Adelaide right, down in front of us, was headed home majestically by Ibusuki for his hat-trick, again the defence giving him the freedom of the penalty area to get in position to pick his spot. It was hands over the eyes time for the Sydney fans.

The two-goal deficit was restored when Joe Lolley bundled home at the far end, we all expected a foul to be given; it’s always the way now when your team scores, you celebrate half-heartedly and wait for the VAR check. The goal stood though, and we still had time to claw it back. Mitchell Glasson was thrown on as the last roll of the dice, Rhyan Grant went down needing treatment, and Sydney belatedly pulled it back to 4-3 when Lolley smashed a shot from distance that took a kind deflection to wrong-foot the goalkeeper. Any thoughts of a grandstand final three minutes didn’t eventuate, and the final whistle confirmed our fate. A disappointing defeat to cap off an otherwise wonderful day.

  • Uh oh, where’s that sun?
  • Disconsolate? Not really…
  • Happy and ready for the Socceroos

The heavens had opened – Sydney was putting on a display of its true summer weather, scalding unexpecting visitors during the day and drenching them at night. The usual post-game mill-around while the players and fans interact was jettisoned in favour of heading straight to Cheers Bar in the city to catch the kick off for the Socceroos game; rumours had been circulating about the proposed live site at Moore Park, that it might not even be going ahead due to the weather. Rails headed off there all the same, while the rest of us took the light rail straight to the pub, where the game was already ten minutes old.

This was where Unite Round came into its own. We had many supporters of the national teams together in one place, Adelaide shirts mixing with Victory shirts, Socceroos shirts and Perth Glory hats everywhere. This was what it was about. Familiar faces, excited fans, and the Socceroos game served up a cracker, much closer than everyone expected, and the right result for the adoring public.

  • Aussie youth in full voice
  • One winner, one second place
  • National service at Cheers

The beers continued to flow after the game and the pub thinned out, not much Premier League action to keep everyone in place, and we ended up quickly polishing off a quick pizza slice before catching a well-priced Uber back to the North Western suburbs of Sydney, back just as the players were warming up in the Newcastle v Man City game.

What a day! Top quality top-flight football from the A-League, plenty of friendly faces from Qatar and other national team outings, a sprinkling of booze to help things along and a warm glow as Unite Round reached its pinnacle. More football tomorrow, games five and six back at Allianz Stadium, would we be footballed out or would this controversial magic round give us more thrills and spills to keep us entertained?

Super Sydney FC roared on to unconvincing draw

Central Coast Mariners 0 Sydney FC 0

An evening of singing, shouting and putting hands over eyes saw Sydney FC’s once-dominant and free-scoring team stumble to a goalless draw against the Central Coast Mariners who could barely believe the lack of firepower from their illustrious opponents. With Jada Whyman and Charlotte Mclean ensuring that the Sky Blues would once again keep a clean sheet, it was the other end of the field that was the source of much conjecture as the game wore on and it became obvious that there was not even a hint of a goal coming. A fantastic day on the Central Coast, a favourite away day for Sydney, and only the result marred a thoroughly entertaining spectacle at the most picturesque stadium in Australia.

Backing up from a huge night of FA Cup action, when we should have been in Brisbane, we were treated to a lift up to Gosford from our L-Plater, keen to get to the hallowed 120 hours. Sticking at the 90kmh mark all the way meant the journey took a little longer than usual, but the vision of Central Coast Stadium as we approached our destination, shimmering in the sun with Ante out on the field, was a sight to behold.

The Gosford Hotel, or Hotel Gosford, recently refreshed once more, was the spot for pre-match refreshment, a familiar face Ray from national team games making an appearance, just passing, not even going to the game – he’s a man with many stories to tell. The march of three through the underground carpark was entertaining, and we realised that we should have gone to the Bay Road brewery, which was less rammed than usual and might have been a cool alternative, being only a stone’s throw from the main gate.

The gate was fairly deserted, the stewards directing us through with varied success, but there were already a lot of people inside, and we went up to the concourse level, meeting the wonderfully quirky Marvin and looking on in wonder as Kyah Simon sat signing autographs in a relaxed atmosphere under the Mariners’ marquee. On one hand it must be grating that the Matildas star has to sit out another week of football, on the other it must be great that she can meet and greet her adoring public without the usual crowd of impatient selfie-seekers.

The players warmed up in their pre-match grey kits under our watchful eyes, the inseparable Dos Santos sisters sliding the ball to each other with effortless precision. Super-fan MMTV, fresh from Brisbane, was in place with fluffy drumsticks ready to generate some noise for the Sky Blues, Rose from TLL, Julia from Football Australia, it was a veritable who’s who of football. The cavalry arrived on their way back from Brisbane, and Michelle received a present for her birthday before the players appeared for the pre-game formalities.

Blue and yellow smoke filled the air as “We Are Sydney…” drifted across the players from the home end, the Yellow Army finally getting into place. The PA system may or may not have been cranked up to drown us out, but we were still going as the game kicked off, and we were full of optimism despite the shaky set of results recently.

The realisation that we were in the bay where we have cooked in 40-degree heat in years gone by dawned and sun cream was applied, Central Coast Stadium looking beautiful in the late afternoon sun.

You can watch the highlights if you’ve literally got nothing better to do, as there weren’t that many. Sydney had a half-chance when Princess Ibini forced her defender into passing the ball the wrong side of her goalkeeper, Kirtsy Fenton met a corner from Mackenzie Hawkesby with probably the Sky Blues’ best chance of the half, and Sydney showed plenty of endeavour, but very little in the way of invention. Aideen Keane ploughed a lone furrow up front, and the lack of numbers upfield did nothing to give the visitors much possession in the opposition half.

Mariners should have scored in the first half, Whyman saving with her legs from right in front, a yard either side of her and the home team would have been ahead. The away fans were in fine voice, capo Michelle in her element on her 21st birthday, and half-time was a chance to rest and go fetch some water from the concourse. This was thirsty work, and the players and coaches seemed to need a breather too, with tempers getting frayed in the warm sun.

“Come on you girls in blue…” was the cry as the one-man upper tier roared back at the Cove down below, this was superb. One very young Cove member kept tutting every time he was instructed to put his hands in the air – not again – and the mood in the visitors’ section was one of fun and laughter as the frenetic drumming during the SFC viking clap reached a level never seen before. An absolute revelation, so far into the season, as we were informed that it is actually Super Sydney FC and not Sing for Sydney FC. Incredible that we’d been singing it wrong all season.

Now playing into the wind and with super-striker Fenton back where she belongs, we would do our best to will the team on to victory. Taylor Ray and Abby Lemon were on too as Ante tried to mix things up.

Both sides had half-chances during the second half, the Mariners wasteful with theirs, and the lack of fitness seemed to be Sydney’s downfall, Princess Ibini unable to get any power on her shot to trouble the goalkeeper, and the industrious Fenton bundled through two tackles on the right, but couldn’t find a teammate with the cross-shot that went out for a goal kick.

Sydney played quite a risky formation – there were often moments when they were totally outnumbered at the back but the home team couldn’t take advantage. Whyman was dominant in goal, and when Mclean was caught up field leaving only two defenders back, she was quick to race out and foil the break, and Lemon had to make a last ditch tackle on more than one occasion. Tori Tumeth looked exhausted but kept plugging away, and the loose passes from last week at Leichhardt were there for all to see again, unforced turnovers from both sides making this a difficult game to enjoy. When Hawkesby scuffed a corner into the side-netting, it wasn’t going to be our day, and the introduction of the two wonder sisters couldn’t do anything to change the game either.

The final whistle was met with a few cheers from the home team, but at least warm applause from the visiting fans after we had seen our team battle well, despite the obvious lack of quality in the final third.

In a twist that will have the parents of young kids from our home games huffing and puffing, the players all came over to join the away section, taking the time for selfies and signatures with everyone, home fans included. Should have come to Gosford then, shouldn’t you? Nat Tobin updated us on her injury situation after being regaled with her favourite chant, Cortnee Vine stopped for an extended chat and seemed more relaxed than she does surrounded by hordes of young fans. This was lovely, definitely adds a shine to an away trip.

The sun was on its way down as the players left the area, the scene even more magical with the palm trees against the colourful sky. We finally left for home, down the steps, around the corner to the big car park, and out into the streets of Gosford with our expert learner driver in command at the wheel.

We were back in Sydney some time after 9.30pm, weary but happy after another instalment of Central Coast Away. Whilst the football may not have captured our imagination, and even the canon didn’t get a work out today, this was a thoroughly enjoyable trip up the coast to frame the festive period. It’s time to go back to work.

Ten years ago someone stuck this up. An archeological find.

Thanks for reading this far. If you weren’t at the game, hopefully you’ll have a feel for what it was like, and you’ll be convinced to make the pilgrimage next time we play a game nearby in NSW. Forza Sydney FC!

Blunt Sydney FC fail to fire

Sydney FC Women 1 Canberra United Women 1

The A-League’s bottom team came to Leichhardt Oval and gave Sydney FC something to think about as the Sky Blues’ striker stocks ran out and they had to improvise in a game that they could easily have lost. Aideen Keane’s half-time departure following her first-half goal meant that regular defender Kirsty Fenton was thrust up front to try and unsettle the comfortable Canberra defence, but it was teammate Charlotte Mclean who came closest with a late shot that brought back memories of Ally Green, the goalkeeper’s fingertips just enough to prevent an injury-time wonder goal.

The evening started at the Orange Grove Hotel, the O.G., deep in Wests Tigers territory, the only pub really within walking distance of Leichhardt Stadium, with a hearty meal, a pint and a chat with fellow Sydney FC women die-hards. Leaving with plenty of time to spare, we passed the Canberra United team bus, parked a good way from the stadium, obviously no room in the car park for the visitors, maybe mindgames by the Sydney FC hierarchy, who knows?

The classic stadium entrance, evoking memories of suburban football grounds in the UK, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham spring to mind, was busy and a decent crowd was forming ahead of an attractive game – Sydney FC on the up after their difficult start and Canberra United boasting true superstars in Cote Rojas and Michelle Heyman, all happening during the school holidays to attract a young fanbase. The Leichhardt Oval field was looking so good, all credit to the groundskeepers, and the cloud coverage made this a perfect evening for football.

A quick walk around the stadium saw Sydney FC firing shots at their two goalkeepers. This was the first sign of a striker crisis, and many shots ended up in the stand behind the goal, Mackenzie Hawkesby though finishing with laser precision. Perhaps she would be deployed up front? More fans were spilling in, kick off not too far away now, and there was preparation for a birthday celebration happening on halfway on the Wayne Pearce Hill side.

Sydney FC’s hawk was in full costume, Mum even joining in the fun with her inflatable number; our Macca must be impressed with the support from her most ardent of fans, and relieved that they didn’t bin the costumes in despair when she joined the WSL. We joined the throng in the upper level of the main stand, way at the far end, the Cove assembling to bring the noise and passion to a lovely midweek atmosphere.

The players all lined up, we were shocked to see Charlotte Mclean not playing, before realising that the young lady looking after the mascots had the same hairstyle as our central defensive lynchpin and that she was indeed playing. Why Charlotte Mclean would be looking after the mascots is the question. “We Are Sydney” was belted out, and continued through the line-ups all the way through the kick-off and well into the game. The drum had been tamed since our last visit here and was behaving, the drum maestro having curtailed his Christmas holiday to come back to the rescue. Bravo!

Sydney FC looked lively. Abby Lemon was doing her best to fill Cortnee Vine’s space on the right and Princess Ibini seemed to be full of running. The connection between midfield and attack was the problem, mirroring the Steve Corica era in the men’s where all the good approach play would lead to nothing, and the moves tended to break down. In fact there was a great deal of loose play from both sides, Shay Hollman rolling a ball straight out of play and the Canberra team guilty of similar wasteful moments. What an absolute blast it was then to see a tenacious tackle in midfield from Hollman, Hawkesby play in Keane, who finished like a seasoned pro for her first Sydney FC goal. The Cove erupted and there was no respite from the singing.

Moments later Ibini darted in front of her player to win a header and set off on goal. Her reluctance to take on the final player saw her cut inside and roll the ball to Keane, but her shot was weak and straight at Chloe Lincoln. Charlotte Mclean smashed a shot way over and Ibini had another glorious chance to run and finish, but cut inside and was blocked. The equalising goal, when it came, was fabulous. There had been a few moments when the left side of the Sydney defence was left unattended, and it was exposed by a long searching ball to set the right winger away. Heyman was unmarked in the middle and realised how much space she had, but it would take an immediate no-look ball to find her. That’s what transpired, a glorious first-time ball into the run of Heyman and she made no mistake with the finish. It was a wonderful goal from back to front and there were no complaints from the crowd, witnessing a superb passage of football.

Half time was upon us soon after, and the half-time heroes took the field. Talk of Teigan Collister was rewarded when the lively winger was brought on in place of Keane, who must have picked up an injury, and kicking off for the second half was defender Fenton – surely she wasn’t playing up front? Oh yes she was, and it made complete sense, sending someone with presence up top to disrupt and annoy.

The second half was entertaining. Sydney FC did everything they could to get the winner. Fenton had a shot pushed over, just as the fans were realising that she was actually playing up front. Mackenzie Hawkesby pounced on a deflected shot from Taylor Ray only for Lincoln to save down low, Fenton unable to react quickly enough to the rebound. After a head clash had halted play in the Canberra penalty area, the play started to open up. There was space on the right for Collister, and Sydney FC were committing more to attack. That left massive holes for Canberra to exploit whenever they had the ball, but Heyman couldn’t shake off her markers. The impressive Vesna Milivojevic was a constant thorn in the Sydney defence, twisting and turning up the right and delivering a series of dangerous crosses, but Sydney survived. She picked the pocket of Taylor Ray and fed Heyman who looked odds-on to score, but the shot was dragged wide. Jada Whyman then leapt to win an aerial duel with Heyman as Canberra threatened to grab all the three points.

The Cove continued to sing their way through the second half, capo MMTV given an ‘excuse me’ by one of the younger members of the fray who picked up on a bit of colourful language, a moment which raised a lot of laughs. It was good to see extra fans joining in, however young.

Sydney FC had chances to win the game. Hawkesby ignored Collister in acres of space to shoot herself, the shot not troubling the Canberra goal, Ibini fired just over from a free kick, an exquisite corner from Hawkesby was mis-handled by Lincoln and the ball forced home by sub Janaya Dos Santos, but the referee had seen the rough-and-tumble Fenton’s expert bump to create the space for the shot and the whistle blew. The crowd were incensed – goalkeeping error surely – but Fenton had already looked at the referee in hope that the foul had been missed and the whistle was correct. Collister found room on the right again but ran out of pitch, fouling Lincoln in the process and we were resigned to dropping another two points at home, despite the fourth official indicating seven minutes of injury time.

When the ball was rolled to Mclean instead of making its way forward there seemed to be no danger, but the Sky Blue defender let rip from fully 30 yards. The ball flew towards goal and looked to be dipping into the far corner of the net, but Lincoln got across and pushed it over. The roof would have come off if that had gone in. Instead, the last few minutes played out, and the whistle finally blew on an exciting game, the crowd full of applause for both teams.

Former Sydney FC player Mary Stanic-Floody made her way to the far side and was serenaded with Happy Birthday to You, Charlotte Mclean eager to see what she got in her goodie bag, and it was a lovely reunion for Canberra’s Sydney girl. The awkward post-match period in a game when the team hasn’t won and doesn’t need to celebrate was over now and the players drifted to the fence to start the autograph signing session, the injured Cortnee Vine getting all the attention, but some of the younger players loving their moment in the sun, and it was a lovely scene.

The last of the fans were being ushered out of the stadium now, and we made our way back to the Orange Grove Hotel to jump in the car and make the short journey out to the north western suburbs, back at a thoroughly respectable 10pm. What a great evening. The mood was definitely holiday, Sydney FC had been found out with no strikers, and they were very close to succumbing to a defeat at home to the bottom club. We’ve seen it before and we’ll see it again, but in reality, this smelled like two points dropped.

Hey, join us for the next game. It’s an away game up the coast in Gosford against Central Coast Mariners this Sunday. It’ll be a cracker. It’s not that far, there are pubs close to the stadium. It’s our capo’s birthday! See you up there and bring your singing voices again!

Phoenix shot down at sunset

Sydney FC 3 Wellington Phoenix 1

Not long ago, a home game with Wellington Phoenix would have been seen as a home banker, but in recent years it has been seen as a tough fixture, even moreso when the visitors sit on top of the A-League ladder. When Kosta Barbarouses equalised with ten minutes remaining, cancelling out an early Rhyan Grant opener, the signs were there for another home tragedy, Sydney having bossed the first half with only one goal to show for it. What transpired in the final ten minutes was a joy to see, the Sky Blues turning the screw to win in devastating fashion in front of a delighted home crowd.

  • Remembering Johnny
  • Better than Belgian beers
  • Busy field pregame
  • We’re ready
  • The players are out

Having spent the first half of the double-header having to crouch and jump, the retreat to the relative calm of Cove Heights was a welcome rest for tired old legs. The Johnny Warren mural turned our heads – surely that’s new, as I’ve never noticed it before, and that’s a great way to represent football at a venue so often considered a rugby venue for both versions of the game. The reassuringly expensive Stone and Wood was flowing by now, luckily all tumbles on the stairs happening on the way to the bar and not back, and the Cove down below was bubbling up nicely ahead of kick off.

  • Wait, they’ve turned us around…
  • One huddle
  • Beautiful stadium
  • Seccie decides which side of the goal is the safest

The players emerged to a rousing “We Are Sydney” and Wellington had the temerity to turn the teams around, meaning that our players would lose that unproven second-half advantage of shooting towards our home fans. Having seen Wellington in action a couple of times this season, the dangerous counter-attacking football that they play would surely cause issues, but in a strange opening to the game, they tried to play the dangerous tactic of drawing Sydney in to the press. And it was with limited success, as Anthony Caceres and Jaiden Kucharski harrassed the shaky defence into hurried clearances.

Sydney drew first blood as a result, a corner arrowed in to the penalty area by Joe Lolley. All eyes were on Jack Rodwell at the far post, but Kucharski got up well and the ball fell into the path of Rhyan Grant, who could have been offside, but some lazy defending left him free to sweep the ball past the much-vaunted Alex Paulsen and in for an early goal. Great celebrations for that one, more for the goalscorer than the goal itself.

This was shaping up to be a classic. A fizzing shot caught one of the two seccies behind the goal on the back of the head to great laughter, the victim playing the pantomime perfectly and asking his colleague to swap sides. When Robert Mak spurned a glorious opportunity for two, the ball was sent immediately up the far end, where the exciting Bozhidar Kraev brought the best out of Andrew Redmayne with a low save with his legs. This was what we were expecting, swift counter-attacks, and magic from the league’s form player Ben Old. The excitement levels were rising.

Sydney pressed and pressed, and played some fabulous football, just not getting that break to increase the score, and the home fans were left dazzled by a fantastic first half display, Wellington often culprits for coughing up possession when playing out in tight situations, and the home players looked possessed. A goal to the good at half time, this would be a real test in the second half.

  • Mad skies
  • Pano sky shot
  • Wilko receives the love

The field filled with half-time heroes and then there was a big delay while the half-time challenge was devised, the winner of a head-to-head shooting challenge being the first to score with three shots into the goal. After it ended in a tie, a fourth ball was suddenly put into play for each contestant, and both players struck on goal only for the two balls to roll across the line at the same time. The confusion was forgotten as Alex Wilkinson received recognition for his outstanding Sydney FC career, receiving the applause from the home end. Thankfully there wasn’t an awkward video montage like Bobo’s farewell, and it was a succinct yet touching moment for the former skipper.

The sunset was putting on a show, the beautiful sky bringing phone cameras out to try and capture the colours. Everything was perfect and Sydney were winning.

  • Oh no, anyone but Barbarouses
  • Confirmation that Kosta has scored
  • Celebrate good times
  • Lo lo lo lo…

Predictably, Wellington went on the attack in the second half, Kraev brought a fine one-handed stop from Redders to keep Sydney in the lead, and the visitors seemed to abandon their risky defensive efforts in favour of a more direct approach. The unlucky Caceres, who was down for a while receiving treatment, made way for crowd favourite Maxi Burgess, Kucharski making way for Paddy Wood at the same time, Ufuk Talay not afraid to mix things up and use his squad as he should. Wellington made their changes too, and that led us to the equaliser, and what a goal it was. The impressive Old raced through and sliced the Sydney defence with a scything through-ball – Barbarouses held up his hands as he knew he was offside, but his team mate Oskar van Hattum may have been onside. He raced through to square the ball and the speedy Barbarouses was already there to slide the ball into the net in front of his old club’s bemused fans. He didn’t seem too interested in celebrating, but jogged behind the goal as if to rub it in before being engulfed by his teammates. There was still doubt about the validity of the goal, but we didn’t hold much hope of VAR rescuing us this time.

The somewhat misunderstood Fabio Gomes had come on just before and his entrance coinciding with the equalising goal was too much for some, but he was involved in the second Sydney goal only a minute or two later. Paulsen’s horrible clearance was cut out by Burgess. He fed Fabio, who many thought would have shot, but he played in Mak, and the Slovakian star’s tricky feet saw him jink inside his man and lash the ball into the roof of the net for what would hopefully be the winning goal.

With five minutes remaining, this is always a nervous time for home fans, we were expecting a rearguard action and ugly game management, but the game continued to be open, and the Cove finally gave us the “Sydney Football Club” chant to stir up all the day’s rubbish; what a great sight. Barbarouses almost lifted an equaliser into the net to spoil the party with Redders exposed, but the ball just dropped wide. With a healthy chunk of injury time, Joel Lolley hassled in the penalty area to win a bouncing ball and fed Fabio. Faced with a defender and Paulsen, his deft side-foot finish was out of the top drawer and he wheeled away in delight as the home fans jumped for joy. One Wellingong fan’s unimpressed face was splashed across the screen to the amusement of the home fans, Fabio receiving a yellow card for taking off his shirt to reveal another blue shirt underneath, silly sod. What a finish to the game though, Sydney FC showing the league leaders the way and bringing 2023 to a close and a very positive note.

  • Waiting for the stragglers
  • Ready to celebrate
  • Feel the love

The players were very happy to make their way to the Cove to enjoy a rendition of “Sing for Sydney FC” and there were high-fives and hugs between fans who couldn’t believe what they had seen. Could this be the turning point for our season? Have we found our groove again? Is Ufuk Talay the messiah that we hoped for, or had he just outfoxed his former club with a bit of insider knowledge?

We were off into the night, just missing a light rail tram but another was along in a minute, and the changeover at Central was swift. Back through the door at a thoroughly respectable time, we were tired and emotional after two intense battles in this double-header. That’s it for 2023, this has been a big year for this football blog, with over 80 games reported on, some of which would not get any exposure anywhere else. Hopefully the passion for football comes through in these pages and you stick around for more in 2024. Because there will be more, mark my words.

Happy New Year!