Kosmina was full of praise for his team after Shannon Cole fired home a freekick late in the second half to seal a gutsy 3-2 victory.

The visitors had to fight hard to take the three points, especially after midfielder Stuart Musialik was red carded in the 69th minute.

"We played very well, I'm delighted with that win," Kosmina said.

"I think we could have been up 3-0 at half-time, we created a lot of chances. In the end it took a bit of magic from Shannon Cole, it was a great free-kick, unstoppable.

"Last week he was unlucky, this week a little further to the right, about half an inch made the difference."

Sydney captain Steve Corica scored his team's first two goals, only his second double in the competition.

"It's always nice when you score early in a game," Corica said.

"Our combinations were good but we can get better."

Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna said his side 'gave Sydney two easy goals'.

"We came back into it which was great but I felt we were getting on top in the second half and didn't go on with it," McKinna said.

"It's disappointing, losing three goals at home was a bit harsh but we'll lift for Queensland next week."