O’Neill’s spectacular strike helps Sydney FC defeat the Mariners

A stunning goal from Sydney FC midfielder Brandon O’Neill has helped the Sky Blues to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in Gosford on Saturday.

After Matt Simon gave the Mariners an early lead with a goal against his former club, the visitors hit back just before the break through Adam Le Fondre’s penalty.

And O’Neill then stole the show 25 minutes from time with an early contender for goal of the season.

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The 24-year-old was allowed too much time and space inside Mariners territory, dribbling the ball forward before rifling a scorching strike which gave keeper Ben Kennedy no chance.

It’s a disappointing result for the Mariners, who were the better team in the first half and deservedly led on 16 minutes through their skipper.

The impressive Matt Millar drove forward down the right and put in an inch-perfect cross which Simon diverted home despite falling as he hit his volley.

The home side looked like taking their lead to the break until a clumsy foul by Jack Clisby on Rhyan Grant just inside the box handed Sydney FC a penalty.

Kennedy got a hand on Le Fondre’s powerful strike but couldn’t keep it out, meaning the Englishman now has six goals from six appearances.

While both sides were intent on looking for a winner, chances were scarce at both ends until O’Neill’s thunderbolt means the Sky Blues have now won 10 of their last 13 games against the Mariners.