Sydney FC got the perfect start at home with Luke Brattan sniffing out an inch of space for Rhyan Grant who crossed to Barbarouses to tap into an empty net. 

The Mariners rocked the boat at the end of the first half with Jair heading wide on the end of Silvera's cross. The Sky Blues approach play was phenomenal but surprisingly, couldn't add another before half-time. 

Baumjohann kept his intensity up although Adam Le Fondre couldn't replicate his hat-trick hero moment from last week. The Mariners, meanwhile couldn't find many outlets to make meaningful forays forward. 

SYDNEY FC 

Andrew Redmayne - 6.5

A half volley by Daniel De Silva stung his palms in the opening exchanges. Apart from Milan Duric's free-kick low to his right Redmayne wasn't troubled much more. Redmayne saved Sydney FC a point when he clawed out Gallifuoco's last minute header.

Rhyan Grant - 6.5

A simple run in behind was picked out by Brattan as Grant steadied himself to assist Barbarouses' opener. 

Ryan McGowan - 7

McGowan read the match extremely well tonight intercepting a number of decisive passes.

Alex Wilkinson - 6.5

A solid game from the Sydney skipper who needed to keep his brigade tight with the marginal score line. 

Joel King - 6

King is still in his learning phase, sometimes choosing to hold the ball when he should take on the defender or pass square when he should look forward.

Paolo Retre - 6

Retre had a quiet match in a decent performance for Sydney. Nothing to criticise but nothing of note to praise. 

Luke Brattan - 7

A superb pass steered in behind Clisby opened up the Mariners to concede the opening goal only five minutes in. 

Milos Ninkovic - 7

Sydney FC will be hoping he signs the dotted line sooner rather than later, because tonight was vintage Ninkovic. 

Alexander Baumjohann - 7

Baumjohann had a quick turn of pace and was easily able to turn into the middle of the Mariners midfield. Gallifuoco wasn't posing too much of a threat. 

Kosta Barbarouses - 7

Barbarouses' fifth goal of the season and his fourth in front of the home fans was the eventual winner that sealed three points for the Sky Blues.

Adam Le Fondre - 6.5

Le Fondre was close to getting a touch on Grant's cross but lucky for him Barbarouses was there to finish. 

SUBSTITUTES 

Anthony Caceres - 

Caceres replaced Ninkovic on the hour mark with Sydney still in a dominant but precarious position at 1-0. 

Trent Buhagiar - N/A

Harry Van Der Saag - N/A