Sydney FC were in control from start to finish at a rain-soaked Cromer Park on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Princess Ibini and Lisa De Vanna.

It didn’t take long for the Sky Blues to hit the front, as Ibini raced onto De Vanna’s through ball to put her side in front with less than three minutes on the clock.

De Vanna would score the second goal in spectacular fashion, as she picked up a loose ball deep inside her own half, before running almost the length of the field and slotting the ball past Victory goalkeeper Casey Dumont.

The result means that Sydney FC have jumped up to sixth after their second consecutive victory, while Melbourne Victory now occupy the bottom spot on the ladder.

SYDNEY FC

The Sky Blues came out all guns blazing, creating multiple chances even before Princess Ibini’s third minute goal. They pressed high, not allowing Victory any time to settle on the ball. When Sydney won possession they always looked to get the ball forward quickly, and as a result Victory spent large parts of the game under pressure.

Chloe Logarzo and Lisa De Vanna were the standouts for Sydney, as both moved off-the-ball extremely well and were constantly able to find space.

Both fullbacks (Amy Harrison & Georgia Yeoman-Dale) bombed forward to great effect, especially in the first half, and it was pleasing to see that both of them were willing to take on and run past defenders.

Teresa Polias and Kylie Ledbrook shielded the defence when necessary, but due to Sydney’s dominance they were also able to get forward regularly.

New goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe had a solid debut, and although she wasn’t overly tested she did her job well.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Victory were unable to hold the ball with any regularity. They seemed overwhelmed by their opponents, and they left too much space in midfield, allowing Sydney to make quick attacking transitions frequently.

Yellow cards for Annabel Martin, Kristen McNabb and Gulcan Koca, all for late challenges, were further indication that they were unable to keep up with the pace that Sydney was setting.

The lack of possession left Natasha Dowie isolated up front. Dowie spent most of the game outnumbered by Sydney defenders, and the fact that she still managed to fashion some chances is a testament to her quality.

When Victory did manage to get forward, they showed the ability to threaten with set pieces and high balls into the penalty area. They even forced a goal-line clearance at one stage, however it was unfortunate that from the resulting corner Lisa De Vanna scored the killer second goal.

Despite conceding twice, Casey Dumont played well in goals for Victory, making a number of good saves.

UP NEXT

Sydney FC stay in their home city for their next match, which is against cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Melbourne Victory also play their rivals that day – they face Adelaide United at Lakeside Stadium.

MATCH DETAILS

Sydney FC 2 (Princess Ibini 3’ Lisa de Vanna 57’)

Melbourne Victory 0