Redmayne says Sydney 'lucky' to lift trophy following poor first half

Socceroos and Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne says the Sky Blues were lucky to still be in the Australia Cup Final 2023 after a flat opening half.

The side went into halftime against Brisbane Roar 1-0 down, with their opponents in cruise control as their pressing and in-possession play shell-shocked Sydney. That all changed after the break, Redmayne explained.

New signing and substitute Fabio Gomes equalised from the spot before Robert Mak, put the hosts in front with 20 minutes go, with Gomes grabbing his second in stoppage time.

“I thought we were a bit lost in the first half, it took us a while to get going, but I think we really turned the screws in the second half and really took the game to them,” he said in an honest assessment to Network 10's Andy Harper.

“We were lucky to still be in it. If they took a few more chances in the first half, I think the game would have been done and dusted.

“We just lacked that initiative, the initial once you do lose the ball and go at them. We really took their game plan to them and smothered them for time and space. I think we played most of the game in their half in the second half.”

Tweet: https://twitter.com/SydneyFC/status/1710796877208474015

Sydney’s squad has undergone a significant overhaul in the offseason, which Redmayne says is an exciting prospect.

Gabriel Lacerda made his debut at the back alongside another new signing, Jordan Courtney-Perkins. Midfielder Corey Hollman continued his bright start to first-team action for the Sky Blues, while Gomes had that defining impact off the bench - something Redmayne is expecting more of.

“We’ve got a rejuvenated squad this year, and it’s an exciting squad. I think we’re playing a more attacking brand of football, and it’s really exciting where we can take our style of football. It’s a pleasure to stand behind and watch, but I thought also at the back we were quite solid as well. Jake and Gabriel at the back - phenomenal,” He said.

“He’s [Gomes] an absolute beast - the size of him. He’s a class finisher, but he’s also got a really high work rate, so, I’m sure you’ll see lots of goals.”