Premiers' Plate winners Sydney FC cruise against Perth Glory

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:46 am

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Sydney FC celebrated winning the A-League Premiers' Plate in style with a 3-0 victory over Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Sunday.

An own goal on 38 minutes from Glory debutant Lucian Goian, Brandon O'Neill's sweet strike three minutes later and a Bobo goal in the 63rd minute sealed an 18th win of the campaign for Sydney.

Having secured the league title after Melbourne Victory lost to Brisbane Roar on Saturday night, the Sky Blues are now 14 points clear at the top of the table.

Their total of 59 points is a record for a 27-round A-League season. With three rounds remaining before the finals, Sydney could break Roar's record for a 30-round campaign of 65 points.

Conversely, it was a costly loss for fifth-placed Glory's bid for a top-four spot and a coveted home game in the finals. Perth trail third-place Melbourne City and fourth-place Roar by four points.

Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images

The Glory rued several missed opportunities early in the match before the floodgates opened, most notably a chance from Goian that landed straight into the arms of Andrew Redmayne.

In a cruel blow for the hosts, Sydney got the breakthrough when Glory's recent Romanian recruit Goian deflected a corner past goalkeeper Liam Reddy and into his own goal.

Moments later, ex-Glory midfielder O'Neill doubled Sydney's lead with a clinical right-foot shot from the edge of the box that gave Reddy no chance.

The Glory started the second half with more gusto and had a golden opportunity to peg back the deficit but acting captain Andrew Keogh misfired from close range.

Bobo put the issue beyond doubt when he slid a shot past Reddy from 10 yards after a neat backheel from Alex Brosque.

The visitors' comprehensive victory was made even more impressive as they were without goalkeeper Danny Vukovic and fullback Rhyan Grant, who are on national team duty with the Socceroos.

Vukovic's replacement Redmayne was barely troubled, although Glory's star Diego Castro hit the crossbar late in the match after a piercing long-range free kick.