The Blues opened the scoring within a minute as departing centre-back Aaron Calver nodded home a header from a Brandon O’Neill free kick.

Brisbane then equalised in the second half courtesy of a precision pass from Nicholas D’Agostino that found Eric Bautheac. Roar, who wore an unusual maroon representing Queensland in the Origin, could not hold their lead for long and Sydney’s leading goalscorer continued his outstanding first season with another goal while Siem De Jong put away another to condemn Brisbane to defeat.

The win solidifies Sydney’s position in second; it's now theirs to lose with a four-point lead, especially as rivals Melbourne Victory prepare for a top of the table clash against league leaders Perth Glory.

BEST

Siem De Jong defies the laws of physics

De Jong has unfortunately been injured for much of this season, but he gave a glimpse of what he was capable of as he sealed the deal for Sydney.

He made a timed run behind the Brisbane defence and received the ball from an O’Neill past but was shepherded towards the touchline and it looked like he was all out of options.

Then he somehow beat Jamie Young who was rushing towards him, as well as three Brisbane Roar defenders from an almost 90-degree angle as the ball rolled past the goal-line.

The Brisbane defence probably should have done better to defend against him, but the Dutch international had no right to even attempt that shot, let alone succeed with it.

Sydney bounce back

It’s been a much-needed international break for the Sky Blues. Before the two weeks off, Steve Corica’s team were reeling off three winless games – losing to Melbourne City in the A-League, while losing in the Asian Champions League to Kawasaki Frontale before a dull draw against Ulsan Hyundai.

It seems like whatever Corica did during the break worked as Sydney looked rejuvenated in this match. They played with confidence and freedom that was sorely lacking in their previous encounter.

It comes at just the right time as they need all the wins they can get to cement a bye in the finals and hit their best form as they look to take back their A-League championship.

Nifty Ninkovic struts his stuff again

On his 100th game Milos Ninkovic reminded us once again why he’s adored by Sydney and A-League fans all over the country. His darting runs caused havoc whenever he got near the final third and although he couldn’t find the final ball to make it count, his quality was clear to see.

Hitting his century mark with a victory will make the occasion all the more memorable for Ninkovic and it was a fitting performance from the former Johnny Warren winner.

Hopefully A-League fans can enjoy Ninkovic’s class for a few more years with a few more performances just like tonight’s, and maybe a few more goals to add on to it.

WORST

Brisbane defensive lapses at all the wrong times

  The times you’d imagine a team would be most focused are the start of the game and just after scoring a goal. You don’t want to fall behind so soon after being level.

So, can someone please explain how Brisbane’s defence twice conceded after a kick-off? Within 60 seconds of the game starting, the Roar defence had already switched off and after equalising they only needed 10 minutes to give up another goal.

The Brisbane defence wasn’t as leaky as we’ve seen already this season, but they have a knack for losing concentration at the worst possible times. The way Sydney opened up the ninth placed team for the final goal was embarrassing.

It was school-boy defending and there is a clear need for a big restructure if Brisbane hope to make it to finals next season. Sure, there’s nothing to play for this season after only 15 points from 23 games but give the match-going fans something to enjoy at the very least.

It’s the minimum they deserve after such a horrendous campaign.

Darren Davies’s caretaker stint is not working out

Although Darren Davies was likely never going to be the man to take Roar forward, he really hasn’t done much to convince us otherwise.

There’s almost no difference between this team and the one that Aloisi left, with lacklustre attacks followed by comical defending.

Since Davies has taken over, the once former A-League champions have only won twice, which is a damning indictment considering Alen Stajcic was able to win his first game in charge with the even worse Central Coast Mariners.

If the rumours are anything to go by, Liverpool great Robbie Fowler seems to be the man in line for the job and hopefully that is announced sooner rather than later. The Roar fans need something to look forward to for next season.

Please just let this season end

This writer is not a Brisbane supporter, but it hurts even me to witness the tragic showings that the second-last placed team produce week after week.

Central Coast Mariners at least have exciting performances that they somehow manage to screw up. Brisbane’s games are just hurtful straight from the first minute – literally.

The sooner this season comes to an end and the upheaval begins at Brisbane, the better it will be for everyone. As a wise child on The Simpsons once said, “Please stop, he’s already dead.”