Clinical Sydney overcome Manly
![](https://www.manlyunitedfc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sam-1024x1024.jpg)
By Chris Curulli
Manly United were made to pay for missed chances as a clinical Sydney FC performance saw the visitors emerge 2-1 victors at Cromer Park on Saturday night.
Two goals from Antonio Saracino and Patrick Wood on either side of half time cancelled out Luca Kmet’s late strike to ensure the A-League academy side would take home the three points.
Adam Griffiths’ first match in charge started brightly as Manly dominated proceedings early with an intense defensive press.
Scott Balderson was a constant threat during the first half as he saw two efforts blocked in the area after 19 minutes and a strong strike palmed away by Levi Kaye just four minutes later.
But as Manly continued to push it would be the sky blues who would make the breakthrough with their first shot on target all night.
On the stroke of half time Jayden Kucharski broke through down the left wing and cut the ball inside towards Antonio Saracino, who made no mistake in slotting home the opener into the bottom left corner.
Balderson nearly restored parity three minutes into the second half as he cut inside and released a venomous effort that appeared destined for the top left corner but former Manly junior Kaye was up to the task yet again.
And in the 53rd minute Manly were left scratching their heads as another one of the club’s former juniors Patrick Wood doubled Sydney’s advantage with a composed finish into the top left corner.
It was Wood’s sixth goal of the season, ensuring he continues to lead the race for the NPL NSW Golden Boot.
Manly’s pressure eventually paid dividends as substitute Luca Kmet registered his first senior goal with five minutes to play.
The young attacking midfielder played a clever one-two with Brendan Cholakian and shook off his markers before thumping home at the front post.
However unfortunately for Manly it would prove to be too little too late as Sydney FC continued their impressive form and resigned the hosts to their first home defeat of the season.
Manly coach Adam Griffiths extracted a number of positives from the performance.
“We played some really good football, we passed the ball very well and created some chances,” he reflected.
“We knew that Sydney was going to sit off in a block as they’re a young team with plenty of pace on the counter-attack.
“We knew that if we didn’t switch on and made sure we kept possession they were dangerous on the counter-attack.
“We’re asking the players to do different things to what they’re used to, we’re looking to get momentum in games and control games without it turning into a transition game like tonight.”
Manly return to Cromer Park to face the defending champions APIA Leichhardt on Friday night.