Round 9 of the Foxtel Y-League wrapped up with two matches over the weekend, including an entertaining goal-fest between Melbourne City and Perth Glory.
While Sydney FC also registered a vital three points in a rescheduled match from Round 6 to shoot to the top of the standings in Conference B.
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Check out our recap for the last two matches of Round 9 plus the rescheduled Round 6 fixture below.
City miss chance to go top after Glory draw
Melbourne City blew their opportunity to leapfrog Brisbane Roar at the top of the Conference A standings after an astonishing 3-3 draw with Perth Glory at C.B Smith Reserve.
While Glory had little to play for in their final match of the season, Richard Garcia’s side weren’t about to lay down against the star-studded City outfit.
The home side took an early lead through a goal from Moudi Najarr but Glory were soon in front thanks to a Daniel Stynes penalty and Ethan Brooks’ composed finish.
The scoring wasn’t done before the break as City then scored two in quick succession as Ramy Najjarine got the equaliser before Najarr completed his brace.
Just when it looked like City would hold on for all three points, Kristian Popovic pounced at the death from a corner to snatch an incredible 3-3 draw for the visitors.
A late Perth equaliser on Sunday afternoon has meant our path to the #YLeague Grand Final has become a lot trickier.
Match Report 📰 https://t.co/aPs5ZRcqvX pic.twitter.com/4MBPUbXQBt
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) January 21, 2019
Reds stay alive after toppling Roar
A 10-man Adelaide United kept their slim hope of finishing top of the Conference A standings after defeating Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Marden Sports Complex.
Carlo Armiento opened the scoring from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time for the hosts before Pacifique Niyongabire was dismissed for a reckless tackle.
Parity would be restored when Louis D’Arrigo inadvertently turned the ball into his own net though it was immediately cancelled out, as a minute later Aladin Irabona put the Reds back in front.
There was still plenty of late drama in the final few minutes with the Roar also reduced to 10 for a foul in the box and a subsequent missed penalty.
It mattered little as the Young Reds held on to set up a huge final match of the season against Melbourne City, where they will need to win and hope Brisbane Roar are beaten to have any chance of progressing to the Grand Final.
https://twitter.com/aufc_YouthTeam/status/1086570237925814273
Sky Blues set up final round blockbuster after beating Canberra
Sydney FC have set up a mouth-watering final round derby against Western Sydney Wanderers to win Conference B after a comfortable 3-0 win over Canberra United on Sunday.
In a rescheduled match from Round 6, the Sky Blues knew a big win would take them top of the table on goal difference and they did their part with a classy display.
Marco Tilio slammed home the opener on 31 minutes before the Sky Blues doubled their lead just before the break after Jordi Swibel laid the ball back to Callum Talbot on the edge of the box to finish with the aid of a deflection.
It took until 12 minutes from time for Sydney FC to make the result safe, with Harry Van Der Saag’s surging forward run and cross to the back post allowed Swibel to head home.
The win and three-goal margin moved Sydney FC to the top of the Conference B ladder on 15 points, equal with the Wanderers but ahead on goal difference.
And the two Sydney rivals will meet in the final round on Sunday in a winner-takes-all clash for a spot in the decider, with a draw enough for the Sky Blues to advance.
MATCH REPORT | Top of the conference with one round to play, our Young Sky Blues enjoyed a great win away against Canberra!
Check out the recap – https://t.co/tfoXDSY9Jn#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/pmE59LyN3R
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) January 21, 2019
This weekend’s fixtures
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Date: Friday, January 25
Venue: Epping Stadium
KO: 4pm AEDT
Adelaide United v Melbourne City
Date: Friday, January 25
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
KO: 4:30pm AEDT
Canberra United v Newcastle Jets
Date: Saturday, January 26
Venue: Deakin Stadium
KO: 6:30pm AEDT
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Date: Sunday, January 27
Venue: Marconi Stadium
KO: 4:30pm AEDT
