Barbarouses leads Sydney FC back into the win column

Kosta Barbarouses of Sydney FC and Rhyan Grant pressure Bruno Fornaroli of the Glory. Photo: AAP/Richard Wainwright

Dimitri Kallos
14 March 2022 11:58am

Star forward Kosta Barbarouses bagged his maiden goal this campaign to help Sydney FC to a much-needed league victory.

The Sky Blues downed Perth in their home state to end their five-match winless league run.

Western United and Melbourne City were forced to settle for a draw in the A-League’s most anticipated fixture of the weekend.

Brisbane Roar upset Wellington Phoenix while Macarthur FC defeated Western Sydney despite a Terry Antonis goal.

Adelaide United scored another late winner to extend the troubles of Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side.

Adelaide United-Newcastle Jets 2-1

A goal from youngster Mohamed Toure saw the Reds earn their third win on the bounce while simultaneously handing Newcastle their third successive loss.

The South Australians stunned the Jets early with a well-crafted tap-in goal through forward George Blackwood (3’) before the Novocastrians equalised through midfielder Angus Thurgate from a similar position (65’).

Toure stepped up to guide Craig Goodwin’s cross masterfully over the advancing Jets keeper Michael Weier, lifting the ball over his head on the volley with finesse to earn the three points (88’).

Perth Glory-Sydney FC 0-2

The Sydneysiders returned to winning ways on Saturday evening as they handed Perth their second consecutive loss since returning to action at their home ground.

Sydney found their first after Barbarouses tapped the ball into an empty net following a low cross from advancing left back Callum Talbot (7’).

The Sky Blues combined for a great passing team goal which was finished off by central midfielder Patrick Yasbek (70’) to guarantee the result.

Sydney FC coach Steve Corica was ecstatic with Barbarouses’ performance but mentioned they will have to cope now with his upcoming absence.

“We’ve missed Kosta for a long part of the start of the season and to see him back and scoring was great…We will now miss Kosta for one or two games with the New Zealand national team,” Mr Corica said post-match.

Western United-Melbourne City 2-2

The reigning premiers managed a spirited comeback from 2-0 down to protect their place in first (on goal difference).

Western United went two goals up within the first half hour, first scoring through centre half Leo Lacroix’s header from a corner (16’) before midfielder Rene Krhin released a composed finish into the bottom left (30’).

City halved the deficit before the break thanks to midfielder Conor Metcalfe’s strike (42’) and they completed the turnaround after an expert finish from league top scorer Jamie Maclaren (66’) following a swift counter-attack.

Western midfielder Jerry Skotadis came on off the bench for the last 20 minutes.

Western United manager John Aloisi was pleased with his team holding on for a point and going three matches unbeaten against City this season (two wins and a draw).

“Probably another team would have buckled and lost the game in those circumstances. We didn’t so I’m really proud of the boys and it’s a positive point for us. It really is because we haven’t lost to them this season,” Mr Aloisi said post-match.

Macarthur FC-Western Sydney 3-1

A brace from captain Ulises Davila cancelled out Terry Antonis’ equaliser to give the Bulls a second victory over their local rivals.

The Campbelltown club struck first early through a strong finish from winger/winger back Craig Noone (8’) before Davila doubled their lead with a similarly powerful shot (73’).

The Wanderers regained faith of a result after Antonis’ headed goal (80’) but a converted penalty from Davila in the dying minutes (90+8’) secured the three points for the Bulls.

Brisbane Roar-Wellington Phoenix 2-1

Brisbane recorded a fantastic home success to end Wellington’s six-match unbeaten streak, getting off the bottom of the ladder in the process.

Roar midfielder Rahmat Akbari headed home to give his side an early advantage (7’) before the Nix drew level after striker Gary Hooper’s own header following a set-piece (72’).

Brisbane substitute Henry Hore put his team back in front four minutes later in what proved to be the winner.

The Melbourne derby between Victory and City was postponed due to the former’s AFC Champions League play-off with Japanese side, Vissel Kobe.

A-League Ladder (number of matches played)

1-Melbourne City: 33 (18)

2-Western United: 33 (16)

3-Adelaide United: 27 (17)

4-Macarthur FC: 25 (16)

5-Melbourne Victory: 22 (14)

6-Sydney FC: 21 (17)

7-Wellington Phoenix: 21 (14)

8-Central Coast: 15 (14)

9-Newcastle Jets: 15 (15)