Mark Bridge fired the visitors in front at Telstra Dome while John Aloisi's long wait for a goal finally ended in the second half as he fired home via the crossbar.

Minus several key players, the Moore Park men boasted two debutants with Beau Bush actually helping tee up the first goal.

Kosmina said: "I think it sends a message to the other sides in the A-League.

“We haven’t had much success down here in the past but we showed a lot of resolve, a lot of ticker and it was great to get the 3 points.

Aloisi was just as happy as his manager and his relief was clear in the way he celebrated his goal.

He said: "I’m very happy to score one finally and it was great to get it tonight.

“Everyone knows this is the big one, probably the biggest game in the A-League.

"We’ve been chasing Melbourne all year and finally we’re up there, hopefully we can stay there now."