Four goals, a shutout and three extra points for FC Sion. FC Schaffhausen, unbeaten at home since July, had to concede to Didier Tholot's men on Friday evening. The result was a 4-0 win for the Valais and a further three points for the leaders.
The facts
Didier Tholot had announced that the trip to Schaffhausen would be a real test. And it was clear that the Sédunois rose to the challenge. It only took a quarter of an hour for Sorgic to complete a sumptuous move from a set-piece. Bua kicked a free-kick and Schmied laid it off to Sorgic, who "just had to" put it in the back of the net. After 17 minutes, the stage was set and Sorgic scored his eighth goal of the season.
It wasn't all plain sailing, however, especially at the start of the game. Serious and organised, Sédun were able to contain Schaffhausen's attacks throughout the match, but mainly in the opening moments. With Fayulu saving and Lavanchy coming to the rescue just centimetres from the line, the Valaisans once again showed unfailing self-sacrifice.
Things really got going on the half-hour mark with another textbook move. Nias Hefti was set up well by Bouchlarhem on the left and found Théo Berdayes, who made a fine run to the far post. The former FC Saint-Maurice junior made no mistake from close range to beat the Enzler keeper.
The other two goals of the game came in the last chance of the first half. On the counter-attack, Kevin Bua bamboozled the Schaffhausen defence and goalkeeper with a powerful shot, sending the Valais side into the break with a three-goal lead.
In the second half, Sion maintained their lead, refusing to give in to the onslaught of the home side, who had not lost in front of their home fans since Matchday 2 of the Challenge League. Better still, the Sédunians put the finishing touches to Chipperfield's goal fifteen minutes from time.
FC Sion's sixth league win in a row came at the end of an entertaining encounter against quality opposition. Didier Tholot and his men are now seven points clear of FC Thun, who lost at Neuchâtel. A perfect way to approach Thursday's Swiss Cup clash between the Valais outfit and BSC Young-Boys at the Stade de Tourbillon.
Reactions
Théo Berdayes, FC Sion striker:
"It was a magnificent evening. It was an important win for the team. It wasn't all plain sailing, and I think the 0-3 scoreline just before half-time hurt them. That allowed us to manage the rest of the game.
"We managed to convert our chances quickly. We didn't need five or six chances to score a goal. That changes everything, we had more control."
The other two goals of the game came in the last chance of the first half. On the counter-attack, Kevin Bua bamboozled the Schaffhausen defence and goalkeeper with a powerful shot, sending the Valais side into the break with a three-goal lead.
In the second half, Sion maintained their lead, refusing to give in to the onslaught of the home side, who had not lost in front of their home fans since Matchday 2 of the Challenge League. Better still, the Sédunians put the finishing touches to Chipperfield's goal fifteen minutes from time.
FC Sion's sixth league win in a row came at the end of an entertaining encounter against quality opposition. Didier Tholot and his men are now seven points clear of FC Thun, who lost at Neuchâtel. A perfect way to approach Thursday's Swiss Cup clash between the Valais outfit and BSC Young-Boys at the Stade de Tourbillon.
Reactions
Théo Berdayes, FC Sion striker:
"It was a magnificent evening. It was an important win for the team. It wasn't all plain sailing, and I think the 0-3 scoreline just before half-time hurt them. That allowed us to manage the rest of the game.
"We managed to convert our chances quickly. We didn't need five or six chances to score a goal. That changes everything, we had more control."
"I'm happy to have been able to start the last two games. I'm trying to repay the coach's faith in me.
"My goal? I knew that Nias liked to put balls in at the far post. I went for it and was able to put my foot down to score. But all the same, half the goal went to him!
The line-ups
FC Schaffhausen - FC Sion 0-4 (0-3)
Schaffhosue, Berformance Arena, 2228 spectators.
Referees: Odiet; Weber, Sbrissa; Jaussi.
Goals: 17' Sorgic (0-1), 33' Berdayes (0-2), 45+1' Bua (0-3), 77' Chipperfield (0-4)
Warnings: 13' Berdayes, 43' Balaj, 74' Kamber, 86' Baltazar.
FC Schaffhausen: Enzler; Zumberi, Kamber, Hasani; Krasniqi, Chaiwa (75' Stroscio), Sanogo (75' Marleku), Balaj (66' Bobadilla); da Silva (66' Halabaku), Munsy (66' Giger), Manzambi.
FC Sion: Fayulu; Lavanchy, Schmied, Ziegler, Hefti (80' Kronig); Bua, Kabacalman (71' Baltazar); Berdayes, Chouaref (80' Rusev), Bouchlarhem (80' Souza); Sorgic (71' Chipperfield).
Notes: Sion without Itaitinga (injured). Schaffhausen without Bunjaku, Lenjani, Lika, Lurvink, Rynher, Schmutz and Vogt (injured).
Corners: 7-5 (4-3)
Next up
FC Sion can now focus 100% on the match on Thursday evening. In Tourbillon, the Valais outfit host YB in the quarter-finals of the Swiss Cup. The Red and Whites then host Bellinzona on Sunday.
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