SYDNEY, AAP - Sydney FC plugged their leaky defence in a much-improved performance to hold Scottish champions Rangers to a scoreless draw in their rain-sodden Sydney Festival of Football match on Wednesday night.
Having conceded five goals at the hands of Greek side AEK Athens three days earlier, the Sky Blues limited Rangers to only a couple of chances, albeit in dreadful conditions at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Another positive for Sydney was a first start for marquee signing Nick Carle, who recovered from a hamstring problem and looked dangerous before being substituted at halftime.
In front of 9483 fans who braved the conditions, there was barely a genuine chance in a sometimes-fiery match until Liam Reddy - handed his chance to impress in goals - pulled off a superb diving save in the 65th minute to deny a headed attempt from Maurice Edu.
Sydney's best opportunity followed soon after, with giant Senegalese trailist Ibrahima Thiam having a curling effort tipped away by Neil Alexander at the other end a minute later.