Sydney FC now move to second on the A-League ladder, one point behind Perth Glory with an extra-match played. It could have been worse for the hosts - whose unbeaten streak ends at nine matches - had a Louis Fenton handball been given in the first half.

But the Nix were expectedly competitive, if not able to reach the heights that propelled them to a 3-1 win last time against the Sky Blues. Roy Krishna had a chance to earn a point for Wellington late in the second but his penalty was denied by Andrew Redmayne.

Wellington remain fifth for now, but with Adelaide United only a point behind to round off the top six.

Wellington Phoenix

Filip Kurto - 7

He’s a rock in what’s historically been a hard-place for the Nix, bursting out of his goal eagerly at every opportunity.

Michal Kopczynski - 6

Typically physical and important to his side, but couldn't have the same level of influence he's recently become accustomed to. His lack of impetus was typical of the way Sydney FC tactically nullified Wellington's key men.

Andrew Durante - 6

Caught out for Sydney’s opener and couldn't redeem himself towards the end. 

Steven Taylor - 7

Relatively quiet but typically determined nonetheless, throwing a few choice tackles in key moments.

Louis Fenton - 6

Could have given away a penalty in the first half and couldn’t find as much real estate to bomb around in as usual. Still effective when he earned a yard or two.

Liberato Cacace - 7

Cool in possession, becoming more relaxed as an A-League starter, delivering increasingly consistent performances.

Alex Rufer - 8

He’s been phenomenal this season, with both highlight performances coming against the Sky Blues.

Mandi - 5

Not as creative as usual and offers a mixed bag defensively.

Nathan Burns - 5

Very quiet, bit of a shocker saw him withdrawn on the 54th minute.

Roy Krishna - 5

Forced to drop deep by Sydney’s controlling ball movement, then missed his only clear-cut chance of the match from the spot.

Cillian Sheridan - 6

He looks like a scrawny Irish bare-knuckle boxer and the way he rag-dolls around the pitch,  he knows it. Still, he'll be disappointed that physicality is all he really offers.

Subs

David Williams - 6

Made an impact and got on the end of a few dangerous balls but couldn't exercise that final bit of quality.

Sarpreet Singh - 6

Drove one fantastic chance straight at Andrew Redmayne, but looked threatening throughout.

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne - 8

Few shaky moments early, there's few more frightening sights than Roy Krishna bearing down upon you in full flight. But he redeemed himself with an excellent penalty save. 

Aaron Calver - 7

Carved up a couple of times by Sheridan, but remained resolute in the final few minutes under pressure.    

Michael Zullo - 8

Threatening going forward, pacey, electric, combative. One of the best fullbacks in the league, week in, week out. 

Alex Wilkinson - 7

He’s been inconsistent as a leader this season when Alex Brosque has been rested, but he marshalled his side excellently.

Ben Warland - 7    

Very mature performance, especially in moving the ball quickly and keeping Sydney's tempo high from the backline.

Joshua Brillante - 7

Physical, decisive, good passing range. He's becoming better as the season wears on, crucially for Steve Corica's side.

Anthony Caceres - 5

Quiet and subbed on the 40th minute.

Brandon O'Neill - 7

Almost scored a belter in the first half and defended very well.

 

Milos Ninkovic - 7

Frustrated, he can be a finicky niggler at times when defenders are dominating him. Overdid it a bit, but offered a few excellent runs as well, one particularly exciting driving surge in the second half.

Adam Le Fondre - 6

Nothing doing for the golden boot leader except a few tame efforts.

Siem de Jong - 7

Scored, hacked, withdrawn.

Subs

Daniel De Silva - 7

One of Sydney's best, constantly getting on the ball in the forward third. Never stopped running.

Alex Brosque - 7

While slightly more limited in his impact than De Silva, Brosque steadied the ship excellently towards the end.

Paulo Retre - N/A