In a red hot Sydney Derby the Sky Blue locals defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0 at Allianz Stadium in front of a 4,000 strong crowd.

Any concerns that the absence of Caitlin Foord would stifle the Sydney attack were quickly muted as Sydney stamped an early authority.

The Sky Blue side pressing forward in waves of attack straight from the opening whistle.

Sixteen year old Manly United Premier League rising star Remy Siemsen made her W-league debut and worked incredibly well partnering up with Kyah Simon to open up gaps in the Wanderer’s lines.

But it was well and truly the Leena Khamis show this Sydney Derby with the experienced Sky Blue striker netting both goals of the game at the 13th and 28th minute.

Khamis is renowned for her derby goals and Sky Blue passion and her celebrations and fanfare did not disappoint the locals.

After acrobatically flicking a Simon shot into the net Khamis’ enthusiastic gesturing of her onside position at hapless NWSL import Alex Arlitt certainly ignited the home fire at Allianz Stadium.

It was a lesson learnt for Arlitt who had a very brief opportunity to pull Khamis offside to avoid conceding.

The 2-0 result will serve as a wake-up call for the Western Sydney Wanderers who should have done better. The Wanderers have the talent to put up a stronger fight against their neighbours and should certainly have gotten get a notch on the scoreboard. However a disorganised midfield and a lack of urgency to be first to the ball proved damaging.

Sydney FC captain Teresa Polias was able to control much of the midfield movement and was seen to sit back and wait for her moment before running in and picking a Wanderer pocket.

It was the Sydney FC midfield that deserves much of the credit for the ball possession and decision-making. Nicola Bolger was a steam engine and the endless hustle of Natalie Tobin and Georgia Yeoman-Dale was critical in Sydney dictating the game and making that extra effort to get into a goal scoring position.

Yeoman-Dale’s endless speeding runs down the flank were an eye-opener, especially when she pulled a 30 yard run in the final minutes of the game to shoot at Jada Whyman (on a 32 degree day).

The best moments for the Wanderers were primarily generated by US import and former Canberra United midfielder Kendall Fletcher who was able to stand up to the physicality of Sydney and put Western Sydney into a better position on the field.

Joey Burgess and Ellie Carpenter were also incredibly impacting for the Wanderers and opened up many corners.  Set pieces proved to be a challenge for the Western Sydney outfit with most of their dead balls ending up in the hands of Sydney ‘keeper Sham Khamis.

Some halftime Wanderers subs helped to limit the damage but all in all the Wanderers were outclassed across the field.

The derby did highlight a standout performance from both goalkeepers with the positioning of goalkeeper Whyman critical to keeping out more Sydney goals.

Sydney FC are a side that have been tuned towards proactive attacking football since the dawn of time so to allow them any space in the attacking third is a recipe for disaster.  Yet time and time again Simon was allowed to sit in the pocket and make decisions with minimal pressure.

It was unclear if it was a lack of match fitness or the hot conditions that was effecting the Wanderers as they allowed Sydney to knock the ball through the lines.  Western Sydney were just too often a step behind.

A solid Sydney Derby win keeps Sydney sky blue for now and will bolster a robust Sydney FC side to avoid dropping any further points as they travel away next week to face off against Melbourne Victory.

It is a different story however for the Wanderers who would have expected better from themselves and must now regroup after two tough losses on the road.

Sydney FC 2 (Leena Khamis 13’, 30’)

Western Sydney Wanderers 0

Sunday 13 November 2016

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: 2.30pm

Referee: Kate Jacewicz

Sydney FC: Sham Khamis (gk), Teresa Polias (c), Remy Siemsen (Gabe Marzano 92’), Liz Ralston, Nicola Bolger, Natalie Tobin, Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Alanna Kennedy, Hannah Bacon (Olivia Price 57’), Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis (Princess Ibini 78’)

Substitutes – Sarah Easthope (gk)

Cautions – Teresa Polias 52’, Remy Siemsen 67’

Western Sydney Wanderers: Jada Whyman (gk), Caitlin Cooper (c), Nikola Orgill (Georgia Plessas 46’), Helen Petinos, Kendall Fletcher, Katie Stengel, Paige Nielsen, Eliza Ammendolia, Alexis Arlitt (Rachel Lowe 46’), Ellie Carpenter, Joanne Burgess (Erica Halloway 72’)

Substitutes – Courtney Newbon (gk)