.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
All eyes were on Frank Farina, though it remained assistant Steve Corica who sent the Sky Blues out. Only in the country a matter of days prior to kick off, the selection questions abound, but the fans would have to wait another week for them to be answered.
Vedran Janjetovic stepped into the fold for Ivan Necevski who had conceded 16 goals in the last four matches. Another notable addition, Hagi Gligor started on the right side of the three man midfield deployed in an attacking 4-3-3 set up.
John Aloisi continued with Jason Hoffman in his deeper central midfield role. In the absence of Aziz Behich, Richard Garcia and Michael Marrone all on national team duty, the Heart drew on Ben Garuccio, Samuel Mitchinson and Jeremy Walker to provide some measure of stability that had been lacking of late.
From the 4th minute, David Williams found space on the first of several occasions and sent a searching pass to Josip Tadic in behind who touched over from close range. A good chance early.
As the match approached ten minutes, Sydney FC began to work their way into steady periods of possession. Firstly, Grant, and Bosschaart and then Yau made their mark. Yau nudged a long hanging cross to Joel Chianese who rose with intent but could only head past Bolton’s left post.
Soon later, it was next Abbas who found Yau in behind beyond young Walker, but Yau blazed over from the one on one with Bolton.
As the match reached the half hour mark, the Heart began to press the flanks, firstly with Garuccio on the right and then through Williams on the left. But as quickly as the Heart punched, Sydney FC counter attacked. Grant caught Mitchinson flatfooted and continued his run after a quick one-two with Chianese. Grant snatched at his chance when it presented itself.
At half time, Farina addressed his men and they responded in kind. From the restart Yau found space but was brought down. Del Piero from the free kick struck a low shot across the face of goal but Bolton was equal to it, punching clear.
Heart though would not be shown up. After Janjetovic flapped at thin air, a corner found Tadic on the volley which all but brushed the bar. A sharp left foot sighter. Fred then countered quickly and struck the post from an intelligent Williams.
It was Fred again whose powerful header drew a superb save from Janjetovic; diving full length and punching clear. For the second time in two weeks, Jason Culina came on to a standing ovation and his insertion brought a steeliness to the midfield as Heart began to press with regularity.
After a 35 metre free kick which could only be spilled by Bolton on the half volley and a number of hard tackles, Del Piero called for time and was replaced by Blake Powell.
As the game drew to its final 15 minutes, Fabio, who was lucky not to have been sent off after a lunge on Garuccio, began to run rings down the left. The Brazilian struck a firm cross behind Powell who had the presence of mind to attempt a flick but could not get purchase.
The game stretched further in the final minutes but neither side could maintain composure or quality. A point earned for both sides, but perhaps more valuable for Sydney FC