It was also the first time in over 50 matches they have lost back-to-back matches in the A-League while their lead at the top has been reduced to just five points.

For Brisbane, Matt McKay and Jacob Pepper provided the goals that keep their finals aspirations alive.

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne - 5

Was beaten at the near post by McKay, not much he could've done about the second.

Paulo Retre - 5

Conceded four fouls and failed to fill Luke Wilkshire's boot at right back.

Jordy Buijs - 5

Created three chances going forward but would've liked a better performance at the back as Sydney conceded both goals from set pieces.

Alex Wilkinson - 5

Thought he had his first goal since August 2010 but it was disallowed by the VAR for offside.

David Carney - 4

Recieved a yellow card early for a foul on Bautheac. Delivered a few crosses but rarely found a teammate. Reportedly left at half-time.

Brandon O'Neill - 6

Almost scored an equaliser in stoppage but was denied by Jamie Young. 

Josh Brillante - 6

Completed 88 per cent of his 53 passes. He also won six duels and three tackles.

Alex Brosque - 5

Booked for dissent after Sydney conceded a foul then was replaced by Matt Simon.

Adrian Mierzejewski - 6

Another solid performance from the Pol. He won three fouls and five duels but was replaced early in the second half.

Milos Ninkovic - 5

The Johnny Warren medal winner reduced the deficit heading in from a Buijs free kick. However received a yellow for a tackle on Bautheac.

Bobo - 5

The A-League's leading goal scorer was ineffective and anonymous only firing one shot at goal.

SUBS

Ben Warland - 6

Came on at half-time for Carney. Won six duels and three tackles.

Fabio Ferreira - 5

Replaced Mierzejewski early in the second half. His pace caused a bit of trouble but nothing that troubled Brisbane's goal.

Matt Simon - N/A

Replaced his captain in the final stages of the match. Had a few chances to equalise and was denied by the post in the 89th minute. 

Brisbane Roar

Jamie Young - 7

Didn't have much to do before the goal, which he could've done more to prevent. Made up for by saving O'Neill's free kick deep into second half stoppage time.

Jack Hingert - 6

Received a yellow card for a foul on Ben Warland which led to Ninkovic's goal.

Daniel Bowles - 7

Made six clearances, won three tackles and nine duels in a solid defensive performance.

Jacob Pepper - 7

Converted from close range to score his first goal since March 2012.

Ivan Franjic - 6

Struggled with an ankle injury for much of the first half but still managed to assist Pepper's goal.

Thomas Kristensen - 7

Had more touches and made more passes than any other Brisbane player, and also won four fouls for his side.

Matt McKay - 7

Opened the scoring with a rare goal off his head from an Eric Bautheac corner. Made a couple of interceptions and clearances as well.

Brett Holman - 5

Didn't make too big of an impact going forward. Conceded three fouls and only won four of the 17 fouls he contested.

Fahid Ben Khalfallah - 6

Made a few crosses but failed to do too much of note. Did his bit defensively making four clearances.

Eric Bautheac - 8

Delivered the corner for McKay's goal. Always caused a bit of trouble winning six duels and five fouls.

Massimo Maccarone -

Relatively quiet night for the Italian. Was taken off late on.

SUBS

Corey Gameiro - N/A

Former Sydney FC man replaced Maccarone in the final moments of the match.

Henrique - N/A

Came on for Holman during the latter stages.

Connor O'Toole - N/A

Replaced Ben Khalfallah at the beginning of stoppage time.