Sutherland made the most of Sydney FC’s inability to kill them off in the first half to secure their first win of the NPL 1 season on Saturday night.
Second half goals to Lachlan Hughes and Nick Olsen saw the Sharks down the Sky Blues 2-1 at Seymour Shaw Park. But Sydney FC were left to rue a number of missed chances in the first half that could have had them out of sight by half-time.
Hassan Jalloh pulled a goal back for former Sharks coach Robbie Stanton’s side but Sutherland were able to hang on.
Sutherland coach Grant Lee said while his side were lucky to pick up the three points, he was proud of the way his side found a way to win – a continual issue from 2017.
“Sydney FC is a bunch of really talented kids who are training every day and have a first class facility so it was tough,” he said.
“They’re organised, they’re structured and they move the ball very well. I thought we were a bit sloppy tonight. We could’ve been two or three down at half-time but our second half was much better.
“This time last year I think we probably would’ve conceded again. We were redlining for too long at the top but the difference now is we have a little bit more quality and a little bit more experience that can grind out a game when we have to which is a nice situation to be in.”
It was a good night for Sutherland, with their under-20s thrashing Sydney FC 6-1.
Sutherland take on Hakoah Sydney City East at Eastgardens on Saturday night.
Kick-off is at 7pm.