Sydney FC 2 – 0 Western Sydney Wanderers

It took just four minutes for last season’s premiers to take the lead, with Englishman Adam Le Fondre netting his second goal in as many games after reacting quickest to Paulo Retre’s deflected effort then Vedran Janjetovic’s excellent save to finish into an empty net.

The Wanderers worked their way back into proceedings but just after half-time they handed Sydney a second, with Josh Risdon’s mistake being punished by Milos Ninkovic, who teed up Alex Brosque for 2 – 0.

Markus Babbel’s side should have been back in the game at 2 – 1 just before the hour, but Roly Bonevacia’s effort from just inside the area was controversially ruled out after referee Chris Beath (consulting with VAR) deemed Jaushua Sotirio to have obstructed Michael Zullo in the build-up.

Babbel was furious with the decision, and his protestations were punished with a red card, the first time ever a manager in the A-League has been handed one. Despite more pressure from the away side late on, Steve Corica’s side held on for yet another derby win. 

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne – 5.5

Actually looked quite unconvincing all night as he almost gave Bonevacia an easy finish in the first half but was let off. Looked shaky in coming for crosses too as well as not dealing with Bonevacia’s second half strike, even if it was ruled out.

Rhyan Grant – 5.5

Wasn’t able to have a strong attacking influence as Corica’s side preferred to utilise Zullo down the left more. Probably still needs to be better if he is to be in the Socceroos conversation.

Alex Wilkinson – 6

Reliable as always, marking Riera out of the game for the most part. Did look uncomfortable when the ball was slipped in behind him and that could be a way for other teams to exploit him in the future.

Jop van der Linden – 6.5

Should have cleared the ball away for Roly Bonevacia’s disallowed goal as Josh Risdon’s cross went straight through him. However, over the course of the 90 he got his head onto many dangerous Western Sydney crosses to prevent Redmayne from having to do much.

Michael Zullo – 6

Wasn’t that prevalent early on but as the game opened up in the second period he was able to bomb on a bit more to provide an outlet in attack. Dealt with Sotirio well for the most part.