Last year’s FFA Cup finalists Sydney FC and Adelaide United have progressed to the Round of 16 after comfortable wins on Wednesday night.
The Sky Blues took on NSW NPL outfit Rockdale City Suns – coached by the club’s Community Officer Paul Reid – and survived an early scare to win 4-2 in front of almost 4500 fans at Ilenden Sports Centre.
TRANSFER NEWS: Duncan joins ex-Victory defender in Saudi Arabia
FRIENDLIES WRAP: Antonis hits four-minute hat-trick
In Steve Corica’s first competitive match in charge of the Sky Blues, the FFA Cup defending champions were stunned as Harris Gaitatzis curled in a fine dipping strike after just six minutes.
But Sydney FC soon hit their stride and it was new signing Daniel De Silva who made an instant impact with a stunning equaliser.
The ball sat up nicely for the playmaker – on loan for the season from Central Coast Mariners – who smashed an eye-catching volley into the corner of the net on the half hour to lock the scores at 1-1 at half-time.
The visitors found the groove after the break, scoring three quick goals through defender Ben Warland and a brace from skipper Alex Brosque.
A late goal from Toufic Alameddine gave Rockdale hope but Sydney FC were never seriously threatened and held on to win 4-2, although Alex Wilkinson and Andrew Redmayne left the pitch with injuries which could be a concern.
Meanwhile, in Adelaide, the Reds cruised to a crushing 3-0 win over Central Coast Mariners in the all-Hyundai A-League clash at Marden Sports Complex.
Marco Kurz’s men scored twice in the first half, first through defender Jordan Elsey, before new German import Mirko Boland announced himself to the fans with a stunning overhead kick.
The Reds continued to control the match and create chances in the second half, wrapping up the win with another new signing getting on the scoresheet.
From a free-kick just outside the box, Goodwin beat the keeper with a clinical, curling effort into the far corner of the net..
The win maintains Adelaide’s record of never losing at Marden in the FFA Cup.
