U-23's Buhagiar & Piscopo star in Hyundai A-League restart

A quickfire double from Australia U-23's attacher Trent Buhagiar handed Sydney FC a 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix as the Hyundai A-League returned with a bang on Friday night.

The Sky Blues trailed 1-0 just after the hour-mark via a penalty from U-23's teammate Reno Piscopo but stormed home in the wet at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

Adam Le Fondre started the fightback, converting a penalty of his own to take his tally for the season to 18 goals and draw level in the Golden Boot race with Melbourne City’s Jamie Maclaren.

But it was super-sub Buhagiar who had the biggest impact with two late goals to break Phoenix hearts.

Buhagiar scored in the 88th and 90th minutes as he used his pace and composure to notch both goals, with the Sky Blues now needing just one more point from their final five matches to clinch a record fourth Premiership.

My Football Live app thin banner


“Trent has got a lot of pace but I think he showed tonight the finishes were exceptional as well,” Sky Blues boss Steve Corica told Fox Sports.

“The balls to him were fantastic but he took them really well. The first one excellent, the second one after the rebound he really took that nicely.”

Friday night’s heroics were his 13th appearance of the campaign, which has now yielded three goals and one assist.

“It’s a great feeling. Having such a long time off, three or four months, to come back in that style is a really good feeling,” Sydney FC’s super-sub said.

“I’m Just happy to get the win, it pushes us closer to the title.”

AROUND THE GROUNDS: United make double swoop, Izzo’s act of generosity
NEWS: Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season updated match schedule released

around the grounds

Key moments

Piscopo edges Phoenix in front from the spot

Liberato Cacace did superbly down the left and drove to the byline where he was bundled over by a clumsy tackle from Ryan McGowan.

Referee Chris Beath had no choice but to point to the penalty spot, with Piscopo taking on the responsibility to coolly slot past Redmayne.

It was Piscopo’s final contribution of the night, replaced by Gary Hooper straight after giving his side the lead.

WATCH: Piscopo nets his second goal of the campaign

Le Fondre draws Sydney level

Just when Wellington looked to be in control the handed – quite literally – the Sky Blues a lifeline back into the match.

Substitute Ulises Davila tried to control an awkward bouncing ball just inside his own penalty area, with the ball striking his arm and Beath immediately pointed to the spot.

Sydney’s leading scorer Le Fondre thundered his spot-kick past Marinovic for his 18th goal of the campaign.

WATCH: Le Fondre cool as you like from the spot

Sub Buhagiar makes a timely impact

After Milos Ninkovic won possession in his own half, the Serbian played a delightful through-ball with the outside of his right foot to release Buhagiar.

Keeper Stefan Marinovic came charging off his line but was beating to the ball by the Sydney flyer, who showed great composure to settle himself before rolling the ball past defender Steven Taylor on the line.

WATCH: Buhagiar edges Sydney FC in front

Buhagiar makes it two in two minutes

Another swift counter attack from the Sky Blues ends with Buhagiar completing his brace.

This time it was Le Fondre releasing Buhagiar free on goal, and while his first effort was parried by Marinovic, Buhagiar stayed alive and dinked the rebound over the gloveman and into the net.

WATCH: Buhagiar ices a sweet cake for the Sky Blues

Next match

  • Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets

When: Tuesday, July 21
Where: Nestrata Jubilee Stadium 
Kick-off: 7.30pm (AEST)

Match Centre

  • Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix

When: Wednesday, July 22
Where: Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm (AEST)

Match Centre

schools_resource