Luke Ivanovic struck a starting debut goal, continuing his fine impression on the A-League before Adam le Fondre broke a four-match goalless streak in fine fashion.

See how FTBL rated the action:

SYDNEY FC

Andrew Redmayne - 9

Smart distribution battling against ferocious winds and wiggled his way to a fine penalty save against Riley McGree - not his only key denial of the match - to destroy building City momentum. 

Rhyan Grant - 8

Excelled throughout, drifting past Harrison Delbridge and Scott Jamieson with ease.  

Aaron Calver - 7

Steve Corica’s clearly willing to make the small attacking sacrifice of keeping Calver in a left-back role for the large defensive bonus of keeping him in the side. 

Alex Wilkinson - 8 

Very tenacious, intelligent defending. Picked more than his fair share of pockets - clearly got the knack of the reach-around. 

Ben Warland - 7     

Stood tall, solid in the air, pressed diligently at the edge of his area.

Joshua Brillante - 7

Transitioned play effectively but lacked finesse going forward, dragging a clear chance well-wide late in the first half. Steadied in the second and passed City's midfield largely out of contention.

Paulo Retre - 8

One of his best displays this season, including glimpses of sublime skill, especially given the lack of support when he drifted into wide areas.    

Brandon O'Neill - 8

Dangerous crosses, defended purposefully and, although Kearyn Baccus managed to burst past him at times, was one of Sydney’s standouts in the first half.

Milos Ninkovic - 8

Fantastic performance, a class above Baccus and Rostyn Griffiths.

Adam Le Fondre - 7

Offered some elegant distribution but held the ball for too long, making his role more difficult than it should have been. Finished his one clear chance of the match in superb fashion. 

Luke Ivanovic - 8

Nervous opening touches were quickly replaced an extremely composed opening goal. Subbed after 30 minutes with apparent muscle tightness.

SUBS

Mitch Austin - 3

Sydney become the fourth A-League club to value Austin’s work rate over his lack of dynamism and consistency. Constantly offside, missed a sitter.

Danny De Silva - 6

Although many of his runs ended with little impact, he was a very positive addition.

Cameron Devlin - N/A

MELBOURNE CITY

Eugene Galekovic - 6

While neither goal was his fault, Galekovic failed to cover himself in glory, either.

Ritchie de Laet - 7

Started excellently in both halves, back in his favoured position, but his crossing was patchy.

Scott Jamieson - 6

Inconsistent distribution, but a few sterling defensive contributions.

Bart Schenkeveld - 7

Keen interceptions, often besting multiple forwards. Drove the ball forward with accurate passing.

Harrison Delbridge - 6

Over physical and lacking in awareness at times, although also input tough challenges.

Kearyn Baccus - 6

Bursting runs that end aimlessly are becoming a trademark.

Rostyn Griffiths - 6

Verged on route one at times and although he made an impact, pushing forward and putting himself about physically, he was a level below Sydney’s midfield.

Florin Berenguer - 5

Poor set-pieces, shut out of the game too easily.

Lachlan Wales - 6

Unable to capitalise on half-chances. After growing in stature as an out-and-out forward, perhaps he’s looking forward to returning to the flanks.

Luke Brattan - 5

Couldn’t provide a talismanic display, finishing very quietly.

Riley McGree - 7

Couldn’t convert glimpses of excellent control and foresight into genuine chances for his teammates, but was one of City’s most threatening solo. Saw a late penalty saved.

SUBS

Nathaniel Atkinson - 7

Always provides a very positive impact off the bench, technically capable and reasonably mature.

Dylan Peraias - N/A

Dario Vidosic - 6

Offered fairly little.