Ola Toivonen and Adam Le Fondre both scored impressive goals as four Hyundai A-League clubs featured in pre-season friendlies on Wednesday.
Melbourne Victory were probably the most impressive of the lot as they overcame Dandenong City 4-0 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex.
Marco Kurz’s troops scored all four goals in the second-half coming in a 28-minute period as their class eventually shone through against the Victorian NPL outfit.
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Burundi international Elvis Kamsoba scored a double for Victory, with Toivonen and youngster Birkan Kirdar also on the scoresheet.
Toivonen’s strike was the pick of the bunch, beating the keeper with a well-placed free-kick from just outside the box.
Le Fondre stunner helps tame the Wolves
Two goals in two minutes – include a ‘worldie’ from Adam Le Fondre – has seen Sydney FC record a 2-0 win over NSW NPL Premiers Wollongong Wolves on Wednesday night.
The Sky Blues hit the woodwork twice and also had a goal chalked off for offside in a goalless first half in front of a healthy crowd at WIN Stadium.
But Le Fondre then stole the show 20 minutes after the break with a classy finish.
Controlling Anthony Caceres’ searching ball on his chest, the Englishman took a touch and then curled a spectacular effort in off the far post.
Just two minutes later youngster Luke Ivanovic doubled the lead with a neat finish after good build-up play involving Luke Brattan and Adam Le Fondre.
“We need important games leading into the Hyundai A-League season and it was a great game here tonight, and a great atmosphere with the crowd,” Sydney boss Steve Corica said.
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"Goals always change games and it was a quality finish [from Le Fondre]. I'm very proud of the boys, they played very well second half and it was a much-improved performance from last week.
"We're happy that we've come down here and had a very good hitout. We've still got six weeks to go, a lot of the players needed minutes so it was very important for them."
Sydney FC’s next pre-season clash is next Thursday night against FFA Cup 2019 Round of 16 outfit Manly United at Leichhardt Oval.
City overcome the Reds at Coopers Stadium
Melbourne City have edged past Adelaide United in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Jamie Maclaren got the decisive goal 15 minutes in as City made the home side pay for a sloppy error at the back.
Reds’ keeper Daniel Marguš’ mishit his clearance straight to Javier Cabrera and the Uruguayan’s cross found Maclaren to steer a header into the bottom corner.
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While disappointed with the defeat, a positive sign for Adelaide was the first appearance of new striker Kristian Opseth, who struck the woodwork from a free-kick in his 30-minute cameo.
It was a solid hitout for both clubs who are preparing for FFA Cup 2019 Round of 16 clashes next Wednesday, August 21.
City head to Brisbane to face Queensland NPL side Olympic FC, while City are up against former NSL heavyweights Marconi Stallions.
Both matches kick-off at 7.30pm AEST.
