Sydney FC find form, beating Phoenix 2-1 - Brisbane Times

AAP

Sydney FC kick-started Frank Farina's coaching reign with a controlled 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix in their A-League clash at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.

The Sky Blues notched up just their third win of the season, reversing the result of their first-round loss to Wellington, and did it without injured marquee signing Alessandro Del Piero.

Defender Sebastian Ryall, back after serving a one-match suspension, fired home a 46th minute header to give Sydney a 1-0 lead at the break, then Rhyan Grant doubled the lead with a well-taken 69th minute right-foot strike.

Wellington got a whiff of a chance when Sydney captain Terry McFlynn received his second yellow after handling just outside the area, but rookie keeper Vedran Janjetovic had little trouble handling Jeremy Brockie's free kick.

The in-form Brockie made amends with a 90th minute penalty - his seventh goal of the season - after Adam Griffiths brought down Manny Muscat, but the Phoenix couldn't snatch a late equaliser.

The round 10 victory was Sydney's first since their fourth-round 2-1 win over Perth Glory, and it came in Farina's first official match at the helm after Ian Crook resigned last month.

Sydney started with plenty of intent, the inclusion of former Socceroo Jason Culina providing more direction in the midfield, while the Phoenix looked out of sorts up front and rarely tested Janjetovic in the first spell.

Wellington struggled to find their rhythm, coughing up possession in dangerous positions, and Sydney were looking increasingly dangerous as halftime approached.

They took 46 minutes to earn their first corner of the half, but made the most of it.

Culina sent a tantalising cross into the area and Ryall timed his run perfectly to fire a bullet header past Phoenix keeper Mark Paston.

The Sky Blues ran with increasing confidence in the second half, Grant silencing the 7375-strong crowd 20 minutes after the restart when he latched onto Terry McFlynn's beautifully weighted through ball and slotted home past Paston.

And although Wellington laid siege to the Sydney goal in the closing minutes, Janjetovic marshalled a gritty defensive effort and made two excellent saves to ensure the win.