- James Troisi - 18'
- James Donachie - 71'
- Filip Holosko - 38'
- Bernie Ibini-Isei - 65'
Sydney beat Melbourne Victory to go 11 points clear
A-League leaders Sydney FC came from behind to defeat second-placed Melbourne Victory for the second time this season and, in doing so, went 11 points clear at the top of the table.
A star turn from Bernie Ibini, just five minutes after coming off the bench on Thursday night won the match for the Sky Blues, after Filip Holosko cancelled out James Troisi's fine opener for Victory.
The striker skirted through Victory's back four, beating Alan Baro and Leigh Broxham to create, and bury, a one-on-one chance.
The embarrassment for Victory's defenders was complete shortly after, when James Donachie's tackle on Sydney captain Alex Brosque 20 minutes from time brought a deserved red card.
The critical triumph from Graham Arnold's side takes them 11 points clear of Victory with just 10 matches to play.
It also keeps alive their hopes of an undefeated season, unprecedented in the men's game.
Victory won't give up on their chances of reeling their rivals in just yet, but there was no compelling evidence on offer at Etihad Stadium that they could pull it off.
Arnold's side showed sternness and resolve to withstand Victory's best efforts, and enough invention to win the contest.
The richly anticipated clash of first and second on the ladder started at a snail's pace, with more fouls than shots.
But from Troisi's superb opener, the match came alive.
Marco Rojas' layoff from Fahid Ben Khalfallah's cross on 18 minutes looked too heavy for Troisi but the Socceroo bent his body and curled a right-footed shot into the corner of the net.
Danny Vukovic was alert to deny Besart Berisha from close range shortly after, while Lawrence Thomas made a double save to deny Bobo and then Michael Zullo.
Sydney were back on terms on 38 minutes, when Milos Ninkovic's arced ball was expertly headed home by Holosko.
The A-League's leading assist-makers, Rojas and Ninkovic, had once again conjured something for their sides.
After the break, Victory came out on top but close-range chances were scuffed by Donachie and Broxham.
Ben Khalfallah's attempted to finish a free-flowing move clattered off the crossbar and it seemed only a matter of time before Victory took the lead back.
Enter Ibini. On 65 minutes, the substitute changed the match, confirming the likely destination of the Premier's Plate.
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