The Sky Blues offered a brilliant build-up up to their first goal. Reza Ghoochannejhad picking the ball up deep in the midfield and creating a strong run into the final third.

Supported by Anthony Caceres and Rhyan Grant, the fullback's delightful chip back to Reza allowed the Iranian to coolly nutmeg Paul Izzo and give Sydney a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Cameron Devlin's first A-League goal then sealed Sydney's win, Steve Corica's side not really looking troubled throughout the match.

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne -7

Confident in punching the ball clear. Made a poor decision rushing out but saved by Wilkinson. Strong in his area.

Rhyan Grant – 7.5

Industrious, always looking to get involved, pressing and tracking well.

Ben Warland – 7

Solid start, comfortable on the ball. Strong defending, reads the play well.

Alexander Wilkinson – 7.5

Good composure in defence. Marshalling his back line with all his experience. Reads the play very well.

Michael Zullo – 7

Pressed forward well but his passing was a little bit off, decision making wayward. Worked extremely hard in defending and transition of play.

Brandon O’Neill – 7

Working hard closing down United. Fantastic pressing

Joshua Brillante – 7

Strong in the midfield.  Worked well alongside O’Neill.

Anthony Caceres – 7

Maybe could have pressed forward more but always held his position well. Subbed 77th minute.

Milos Ninkovic – 7.5

Strong and comfortable when in possession, finding space early on, showed quick feet. Tried a delightful lob but was unlucky.

Reza Ghoochannejhad – 7.5

Early on had a decent attempt on goal, then had a billiant finish for the opening goal. Picked up the ball deep in the midfield and worked it forward with the assist from his teammates. Fantastic nutmeg of Paul Izzo. His concentration was spot on and pressed well. Subbed 80th minute.

Adam Le Fondre – 7

Good, movement, looks lively upfront. Classy player in general and always links up well with his teammates. Subbed 90th minute

Subs

Aaron Calver – N/A

On for Adam Le Fondre. Not on long enough to rate

Luke Ivanovic – 6

On for Caceres. Late strike on goal, good position

Cameron Devlin – 6

On for Reza Ghoochannejhad. Exciting player and sealed Sydney's win with a delightful finish.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo – 6.5

Maybe he should have done better, and not allowed himself to be nutmegged from Reza. In fairness, he did have a great save, tipping the ball over the crossbar from Ninkovic's chip.

Scott Galloway – 7

Strong defending and tracking. Comfortable in the left-hand side position

Vince Lia – 5

Moved into midfield. Not effective. Horrible control of the ball.

Michael Marrone – 7

Strong tackling, standing his ground. Nice flighted crosses.

Ryan Strain – 5.5

Needs to release the ball quicker. Crossing and distribution is poor - not enough flight or weight. Subbed 85th minute.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – 5.5

He was often crowded in midfield but needs to hold onto the ball better. Looked out of his depth. Subbed 70th minute

Mirko Boland – 6

Another United player who showed poor decision making. Nice runs but nothing coming of them.

Isaias – 7.5

150th appearance, dropped into central defensive duties. Good covering when needed.

Craig Goodwin – 6

Solid pressing, but too many touches of the ball, being doubled up on early on. Poor decision making evident more than a few times. Over hit crosses.

George Blackwood – 7.5

Worked hard down the right-hand side. Had a fabulous chance when he chipped the keeper. Direct runs into the box and good control of the ball.

Jordy Thomassen – 5.5

Looked off the pace and low on confidence. Subbed 83rd minute.

Subs

Ryan Kitto – 5

On for Konstandopoulos. No impact.

Ken Ilso – N/A

On for Jordy Thomassen. Not on long enough to rate.

Louis D’Arrigo – N/A

On for Ryan Strain.  Not on long enough to rate.