It could have been the decidedly 'home' feel to their away fixture, but Sydney FC had the best opportunities, finding more width and attacking chances.

Reza Ghoochannejhad nearly found the back of the net but once again Filip Kurto produced a quality save, getting low, dropping his right hand down and Adam Le Fondre sidestepped his follow-up shot over the crossbar.

The Nix had a goal disallowed as Michal Kopczynski was deemed in an offside position, before Alex Brosque's impact off the bench was rewarded with a strong run into the penalty box. Kurto's rash decision to sprint out caught Brosque and Sydney were awarded a penalty, which Adam le Fondre smashed into the roof of the net.

1-0 win for Sydney and worthy winners, shown to be more industrious while defending exceptionally well.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX

Filip Kurto – 6.5

Quality save early on in the game to deny Sydney the opening goal. Brought down Brosque in a rash challenge in the penalty area.

Andrew Durante – 7.5

Absolute rock in defence, always in the right place at the right time.

Michal Kopczynski – 7

Reads the play well, good anticipation. In an offside position to have his goal disallowed. Defended very well.

Dylan Fox – N/A

Struggled early but slowly got himself into the match. Subbed on the half hour mark, injured when he went in for a tackle. Thought to be facing six to eight weeks out.

Louis Fenton – 6.5

Finding good width down the right-hand side. Strong when in possession.  Dragged his shot late on in the first half and faded in the second.

Liberato Cacace – 7

Always seeking to push forward to give Nix more width, showed good energy. Good driving runs into the box, quick feet and tight control of the ball.

Alex Rufer – 5.5

Needs to control and hold onto the ball in the middle of the park, off the pace.

Mandi Sosa – 7

Decent performance, worked hard in the midfield. Subbed 70th minute

Sarpreet Singh – 6

Quiet performance by a usely lively player for Nix. Subbed 55th minute

Roy Krishna – 7

A lot of energy up front but Sydney defence closing him down when on the ball.

David Williams – 6.5

Fantastic curling shot into the top corner but just wide. Poor, poor pass to teammate, hospital ball. Needs to be more aware to move the ball quicker and forward. Mixed performance up front

SUBS 

Ryan Lowry – 6

On for Fox. You don’t always want to come on for a teammate who has suffered a serious injury but Lowry slotted in nicely, working hard and finding good positions when defending. Tested all the way.

Cillian Sheridan – 6

On for Singh. Good height, causing Sydney's defence something to think about, a decent impact after coming on.

Max Burgess – 6

On for Mandi. Fresh attacking legs, fantastic chance to equalise but shot straight at the keeper. Should have done better.

SYDNEY FC

Andrew Redmayne -7

Not really tested in the first half, showed good ability to clear the ball. Strong in the air, dominating his area.

Rhyan Grant – 7.5

In control in the right back position, pressing forward when he can. Showed good energy through-out the 90 minutes.

Ben Warland – 7

Worked well with his defensive partners, solid performance.

Alexander Wilkinson – 8

Comfortable, experienced and solid performance, worked tirelessly in defence. Always in command.

Michael Zullo – 7.5

Worked hard up and down the left-hand side in the first half. Dangerous long throws in his arsenal. Good left foot, swinging in quality deliveries into the box.

Brandon O’Neill – 7.5

A solid start in the midfield. Consistent ability to deliver good weight balls into the box. Always look dangerous when pressing forward.

Joshua Brillante – 7

Went about his business, worked hard.

Anthony Caceres – 7

Golden chance, with quick feet driving into the penalty area.
Holds the ball and distributes it well, creates space for himself. Comfortable on the ball. Ran himself ragged. Subbed 85th minute.

Milos Ninkovic – 7

Slow start to the match but found his feet towards the close of the first half, intercepting Nix attack. Another Sydney player who work tirelessly.

Reza Ghoochannejhad – 7

Had a couple glorious chances to get on the score sheet. Adventures into the box. Getting himself into a fantastic position. Subbed 60th minute.

Adam Le Fondre – 7

Had a good chance, sidestepped the ball over the crossbar. Smashes the ball into the back of the net to give Sydney the lead 65th minute, from a penalty. Lively player when pressing upfront.

SUBS

Daniel De Silva - N/A

On for Anthony Caceres. Not on long enough to rate.

Alex Brosque – 6.5

On for Reza. Awarded a penalty from a clever run into the box. The best impact possible for Sydney. Switched the play with accuracy.