Sydney FC are the first Hahn Australia Cup semi-finalists, overcoming a valiant SD Raiders 1-0 at Fairfield Showground.
It was a high quality game with plenty of chances on both sides but in the end, Takahiro Sekine's first-half strike was enough for the Sky Blues.
Read our review of the action below.
SD Raiders 0 - 1 Sydney FC
Sydney FC have been victorious against NPL NSW opposition, defeating SD Raiders 1-0.
Sydney FC started the game as the team on top. Mathias Macallister came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute, requiring a goal line clearance to deny. That chance was one of many for the Sky Blues early in the game as they looked to assert themselves on the NPL NSW side.
They did open the scoring in the 33rd. A wonderful pass from Joe Lacey found Takahiro Sekine inside the penalty area. It was a brilliant touch from the Japanese national and a sublime finish, the quality matching the quarter-final stage.
That goal seemed to wake up the Raiders. Luka Knezevic drew a good save from Sydney’s Gus Hoefsloot and, as the half drew to a close, it was the Raiders who were suddenly in the ascendency.
Sydney had several opportunities to double their lead in the second half. Ben Garrucio perhaps should have scored after being on the end of a ball from Akol Akon, and the likes of Akon and Sekine continued to create chances.
However, as long as there remained only one goal in it, jeopardy remained. Martin Fernandez forced Hoefsloot into the action once again – saving across the line to his right – and the ball almost fell perfectly to Noah Chianese in the box, who just couldn’t manage to get a touch on it.
The most controversial moment in the game came in the 79th minute. Jordan Courtney Perkins committed a foul adjudged to be just outside the penalty area. Had the referee judged the contact to occur inside the box, it would have been a penalty – as it was, Fernandez’ vicious free kick required yet another fingertip save from Hoefsloot.
The Raiders were in the game until the last but just weren't able to find the goal that would send the game to extra time.
Despite the result, it was a game that the NPL NSW side will take an immense amount of confidence from and their historic Cup campaign - including a victory against Macathur in the Round of 16 - will be a touchstone in a huge year for the club.
