Just 6,978 turned out to see Sydney defender Shannon Cole's brilliant opener on 37 minutes which was wiped out by David Williams with a sensational strike 15 minutes from time.

The Fury striker hit a swerving shot from 25 metres out that seemed to deceive Sydney goalkeeper Liam Reddy in flight.

The home side appeared to be cruising to a much-needed win until that point after Cole had given them a deserved lead eight minutes before the break.

The Sydney right-back's goal was even better than Williams' strike, a wicked volley from just outside the box that gave Fury shotstopper Justin Pasfield no chance.

The defending champions had chances to extend their lead early in the second half, with Alex Brosque and Terry McFlynn both going close in quick succession.

Those misses would come back to haunt Vitezslav Lavicka's side as Williams ensured they remain on the bottom of the ladder and without a win after eight games.

Sydney had thought they had stolen a winner nine minutes from the end when McFlynn's chip hit the crossbar and bounced down on the line but assistant referee Daniel Dewhurst correctly ruled the ball had not crossed the line.

McFlynn then wasted a final chance two minutes from time when he blazed a header over the bar to send the crowd of 6,978, Sydney's lowest ever home attendance, away frustrated.

Sydney FC 1 (Cole 37)
North Queensland Fury 1 (Williams 76)
Crowd: 6,978 at the SFS