Sydney FC coach Ian Crook was pleased with the performance of his big guns after watching the squad take part in a spirited intra-club match.
Sydney FC coach Ian Crook was pleased with the performance of his big guns after watching the squad take part in a spirited intra-club match.
The 90-minute hit-out at Allinaz Stadium gave star signing Alessandro Del Piero some match practice, and he teamed up with Brett Emerton and Kruno Lovrek in the 'first XI', who posted a 5-0 win.
Wednesday's match came about after the Central Coast Mariners pulled out of a scheduled friendly between the two clubs.
Del Piero played 70 minutes, setting up goals for Terry Antonis and Mitch Mallia inside the first 30 minutes, while Lovrek smashed home a 20m thunderbolt .
Emerton, meanwhile, looked lively down the right flank as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
"I thought it was a very worthwhile exercise," Crook said. "It is difficult to replicate the intensity of a friendly against another team but this was the best we could do and the players lifted, which was pleasing.
"It was good for Alessandro, Kruno and Emmo (Emerton) to get 70 minutes under their belts, Adam Griffiths was strong in defence coming back from a knock and we had a chance to play a full game with official referees at a good intensity.
"I was happy with what I saw today and we'll continue to work hard ahead of the opening game of the season against Wellington."