Sydney Olympic proved too hot to handle for Marconi Stallions as they scored an impressive 2-0 win at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday evening sending a sign to the rest of the league of the threat they pose as they continue to fight for the top six.
The Blues sealed all three points in a strong performance against the premiership contenders, a strong indication they still have plenty to offer heading into the final third of the regular season.
The hosts came out strong as they created their opening chance in the second minute of the game, courtesy of an excellent one-two between Adam Parkhouse and Seth Clark which saw the Olympic captain release a shot that forced a save out of James Hilton.
The Stallions produced a strong chance in the 24th minute with a good attack down the left that eventually saw the ball reach Dom Costanzo, though his shot went just wide of the left post.
Olympic managed to break through in the 30th minute after a great pass from Parkhouse released Clark down the right, with the Kiwi dribbling into the box and drilling a low ball across goal that was finished off by a sliding Tyren Burnie for an unfortunate own goal.
The Blues then doubled their advantage in the 49th minute with Parkhouse proving integral again, with the captain delivering a cross that took a bounce on its way to Dylan Ruiz-Diaz who then smacked it sweetly into the top right.
Marconi nearly found their first through an outstanding volley in the 51st minute by Franco Maya from roughly 30 yards out, though Olympic keeper Jack Gibson did well to dive to his left and keep it out.
Dehmie nearly made it three with a chance in the 68th minute eerily similar to his goal, with Clark delivering a grounded ball across goal that reached the striker but this time Maya was able to make a crucial block.
The Stallions threatened with their best chance of the game in the 75th minute after Jake Trew sent a cross into the box towards George Daniel, who volleyed it towards goal, but Gibson stepped up again with a fantastic save to preserve the clean sheet.
Sydney Olympic coach Labinot Haliti praised his team for a solid performance, believing they were the stronger side, a feat even more impressive given Marconi’s standing as one of the best performing sides in the competition.
“I think there was only one football team out there today and we showed our quality,” Haliti told Football NSW, while stressing the need to take things one step at a time
“We have a certain way we want to do things as a club on and off the field and slowly we are taking some steps, but it is just one game.”
