Bragging rights on the line in Sydney Derby

The last time the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC did battle. Photo: Steve Christo.
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After their shock loss to Perth last weekend, the Western Sydney Wanderers have no better fixture to turn things around than this Saturday night’s third and final Sydney Derby.

With both sides winning one game apiece during their first two meetings this season, Saturday evening’s blockbuster at Allianz Stadium will be for bragging rights.

The Wanderers enter this weekend’s Sydney Derby in fourth place on the A-League Men’s ladder while Sydney FC are hot on their tails in sixth position.

Western Sydney had the opportunity to remain in second heading into Saturday’s game however a 96th minute goal to Perth last Friday at HBF Park cruelled their chances.

It was a stunning last gasp victory from the Glory, who overcame the blow of receiving the second-fastest red card in A-League history to pull off the 1-0 win.

Perth defender Jordan Elsey was sent off after 93 seconds for his clumsy studs-up challenge that caught Wanderers star Yeni Ngbakoto on his Achilles tendon.

Glory defended their backsides off for the entire match before catching a lucky break in the 84th minute when Wanderers defender Tomislav Mrcela was also shown a red.

Perth went on an attacking rampage at the death, with midfielder Aaron McEneff securing the match winner deep into injury time.

Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.


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