With a stand-out defensive effort Sydney FC secured a narrow 1-0 defeat of Perth Glory in overcast conditions at Lambert Park.

It was unexpected to see such a low scoring game between these two sides but perhaps even more so when considering the intense end-to-end play on display.

An edge-of-your-seat start to the game kept the crowd gasping as Glory’s Sam Kerr and Sydney’s Jasmyne Spencer opened up gaps and challenged the respective goalkeepers.

The key moment proved to be a productive cut-back run of Amy Harrison that drew the attention of a Glory defender who committed to a late sliding tackle in the box.

The home side awarded a penalty at the 14th minute.

An old hat at penalties, Kyah Simon drove the shot low right to open Sydney’s account.

The dramatic opener appeared to set the tone for a typical Sydney/Perth goal bonanza. And yet despite a frenetic chase for an equaliser Glory remained scoreless at the break.

The second 45 mins saw the woodwork play a major role along with the safe hands of Mackenzie Arnold who was unstoppable as she managed to get to every shot on goal.

Sydney FC were creating most of the action with numerous close calls from Leena Khamis, Simon and Harrison. Nicola Bolger with her best performance thus far this season played in Spencer beautifully but Arnold’s positioning was just too good.

Perth would rue the handful of lost opportunities they had when Shannon May found herself twice in front of goal but the final shot lacking power to challenge Michelle Betos.

Betos did not showg signs of her recent injury as she bravely came out to stifle multiple Kerr attacks.

Not always known for their strength in defence it was a testament to Sydney FC that they wore such extreme attacking pressure from Kerr and later Caitlin Foord without conceding.

Player of the Match was deservedly awarded to centre back Alanna Kennedy who had a stellar game for Sydney however Lizzie Ralston and Teigen Allen also put in a huge 90mins.

Sydney FC escaped with 3 points but this was no easy feat.

But it is in this very challenge that the Sky Blues will be most comforted. The last handful of times these two met Sydney faced an insurmountable opponent who served them up for breakfast.

This time around Sydney FC can rest assured that they weathered the storm and Season 8 is a whole new ball game.

Sydney FC 1 (Kyah Simon 14’ pen)

Perth Glory 0

Sunday 8 November 2015

Lambert Park, Sydney

Kick-off: 4pm

Referee: Kate Jacewicz

Sydney FC: Michelle Betos (gk), Liz Ralston, Ellyse Perry, Jasmyne Spencer, Teresa Polias (c), Nicola Bolger (Natalie Tobin 91’), Amy Harrison, Alanna Kennedy, Teigen Allen (Sunny Franco 70’), Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis (Princess Ibini 93’)

Substitutes – Sham Khamis (gk)

Cautions – Amy Harrison 68’, Kyah Simon 88’

Perth Glory: Mackenzie Arnold (gk), Kim Carroll, Katie Holtham, Shannon May, Carla Bennett, Nicole Stanton, Emily Henderson (Caitlin Foord 58’), Danielle Brogan, Thia Eastman (Shawn Billam 78’), Ella Mastrantonio, Sam Kerr (c)

Substitutes – Evangeline Gooch (gk), Catlin Doeglas

Cautions – Nicole Stanton 25’