Sydney kept hold of top spot with a fine performance in an entertaining 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at the Sydney Football Stadium. Australia international Mark Bridge opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he smashed home after playing a one-two with Alex Brosque.

Steve Corica made it 2-0 in the 31st minute when he pounced on a loose ball after goalkeeper Reece Crowther failed to hold Brosque's effort. The hosts then put the game beyond Phoenix three minutes later with Brosque again the provider, the Sky Blue man playing a neat cross for Bridge to drill home.

Phoenix pulled one back with nine minutes remaining when substitute Costa Barbarouses volleyed home, but it was to be nothing more than a consolation for the visitors.

Elsewhere, a second-half Carlos Hernandez strike secured a 2-1 win for Melbourne Victory at Perth Glory. Former Colchester defender Chris Coyne put the ball into his own net in the fifth minute, but Mile Sterjovski levelled in the 19th minute.

Hernandez then struck in the 68th minute to secure the three points for the visitors that move them up to second in the standings.