Pacey Sydney FC has Le Fondre eyeing Golden Boot

Adam Le Fondre says Sydney FC's added pace in the attacking third is key to his early season returns following a game-winning brace against Western United.

The Englishman celebrated his 33rd birthday a day early at GMHBA Stadium with a first-half double for the Sky Blues as they posted a fourth straight Hyundai A-League win.

Found by German midfielder Alexander Baumjohann for both his goals, Le Fondre struck with a header for the opener on 27 minutes from a corner, before tucking away a cutback in first-half stoppage time for his second.

Le Fondre’s haul lifts his season’s return to seven goals in as many games for the Hyundai A-League leaders and sees him become third fastest person to notch 25 career goals in the competition.

Speaking post-match, Le Fondre told FOX Sports his burgeoning partnership with Kosta Barbarouses is making the Harbour City club a different kind of threat to last year’s Championship-winning side.

“We probably got a little bit more pace up there now, obviously, with Kosta up next to me,” Le Fondre explained, of the Sky Blue’s front line.

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“We had [Alex] Brosque last season, who obviously isn’t slow, but he liked to drop and link players up a bit more than me and Kosta do.

“We like to get on the shoulders and create moments in behind and I think we are complementing really well with each other.

“I think you can see that from the games as well. We are always looking for each other and always trying to create chances for each other as well.”

The former English Premier League player also stated he is keeping a close eye on the Hyundai A-League’s Golden Boot race as he looks to go one better than his second-placed finish in the scoring charts in his debut season.

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“I've got to try and catch Jamie Maclaren at the top because he had the weekend off – I pegged two back on him,” Le Fondre said wryly.

Fans will have to wait until December 29 to see the high-scoring duo go head-to-head when the Sky Blues host City in their final match of the calendar year.

Western United host Melbourne Victory at GMHBA Stadium in Round 9. The match on Sunday, 8 December kicks off at 4pm AEDT.
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Sydney FC welcome Brisbane Roar to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday, 7 December in Round 9. Kick off is at 7.30pm AEDT.
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Find out more at the Match Centre here

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