Other Sites

Video Poker

Online betting and gambling at williamhill.com, the world's biggest bookmaker

Craig Duncan calls Sydney’s “character” into question

CRAIG DUNCAN has called on the Sydney FC players to show “character” and bounce back from the 5-2 mauling by Newcastle Jets.

The Sky Blues crashed to a demoralising defeat at the end of a roller-coaster week in which coach Vitezslav Lavicka announced he would be leaving New South Wales at the end of the current campaign.

He steered the club to a Premiership/Championship double in his first season in charge but a dip in results means Sydney face missing out on the playoffs for consecutive seasons.

Sydney were trailing 3-0 in a first half to forget on Sunday but did rally. However two late goals, a flurry which excited live soccer betting fans, from the visitors closed out the rout.

Head of human performance Duncan said the players could not afford to dwell on the setback and had to find a way to move on.

He wrote in his column for the A-League official website: “Our game against Newcastle Jets was a very poor result and has put us in a difficult situation with seven games to go.”

He added: “All season we have shown great character and determination to come from behind and I thought that it could be our greatest comeback. However, it turned into one of our worst losses.

“So in situations like this you have options. As in life when things don’t go your way you can either turn and run, or stand up and meet the challenge.”

Next up for Sydney FC is the visit of in-form Perth Glory to Sydney Football Stadium and the chance to get back on track on home soil.

Glory have not lost in nine games in all competitions and represent another big challenge for Sydney – and Duncan said the players must unite to deliver on their promise. Until they do they should not be considered one of the great soccer betting tips.

He added: “The character of our players and the philosophy of our club will see us take on this challenge and do our best to move our way up the ladder. However, words come easy but it’s the actions that truly speak and we as a club must let these actions speak loudly over the next two months.”