To see Sydney training...

 The Sky Blues defeated a hard-working United 1-0 at Edensor Park in Sydney’s west with second half substitute Chianese’s strike the difference between the two sides.

After some defensive sloppiness Chianese pounced and burst through the middle of the United rearguard before planting a perfectly taken low drive into the back of the net.

And Chianese could’ve had a second goal minutes later after David Williams’ brilliant low cross found the youngster but he was unable to guide his shot past the United keeper.

The former Blacktown striker, who turned 21 last week, has built a growing reputation in the Sky Blues youth team over the last two seasons.

And after being named in Sydney’s ACL squad this week, he was clearly full of confidence and ready to show himself.  

Perhaps sensing an opportunity after the club left visa player and striker Juho Makela out of their ACL squad, Chianese put in a sharp and incisive performance a week out from the visit of Suwon in match day one of the ACL group stage.

“I’ve been in the youth team for a while now, I’ve been training full-time with the first team for the last couple of months which has helped me a lot. Once you get on you’ve got to take your chances,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the game.

Chianese’s performance was all the more timely given Brendan Gan’s second half injury which lead to Sydney's attacking midfielder being stretchered off following a hefty block tackle.

And with dynamic young striker Dimitri Petratos’ still on the recovery trail after injury, Chianese couldn't have timed his goal better and may well find himself on the bench in the coming ACL games. 

“This was the first time I’ve really played with the first team,” he added. “I’m part of the ACL squad so obviously that’s what I want to do. It’s been a trait of mine for  a while getting in behind defenders with my speed.

“I’ve been working a bit on my strength as well which helps. I didn’t expect to come on and to score the only goal.  I’ve been working on my game for a long time, working really hard and being patient.

“Hopefully Lavicka can see I’m doing well and give me a chance and hopefully I can make the most of it.”

While the game never reached any great heights, to their credit United never stopped running and showed enough to suggest they’ll be a NSWPL force again this season.

Sydney was in second gear for most of the game but raised their level in the second half after Chianese, Williams and Andrew Durante came on.

To see Sydney training...