The nine match unbeaten run of the Wellington Phoenix has come to end, beaten 1-nil by Sydney FC in their A League football match in Wellington on Wednesday night.
The hosts had a chance to level through a penalty awarded when Sydney defender Michael Zullo clattered into Steven Taylor with just over ten minutes to play.
However Roy Krishna's shot was was saved by Andrew Redmayne preventing the in- form Phoenix striker going top in the golden boot race.
The win moves Sydney into second place, with the Phoenix still in fifth spot.
The Sky Blues' seventh win in their past eight games lifts them within a point of competition leaders Perth Glory but has come at a cost with goal scorer and former Dutch international Siem de Jong injured when he was clipped from behind by Andrew Durante as he scored the solitary goal of the match in the 25th minute.
Sydney FC's Siem De Jong is treated by medical staff after scoring a goal. Photo: Photosport
De Jong was left writhing for several minutes on the goal line holding his left knee before hobbling off the field.
Sydney were unfortunate not to be two-up at the break, after Phoenix fullback Louis Fenton appeared to commit a blatant handball inside the box.
A draw would have flattered fifth-placed Wellington, who struggled to break down a Sydney FC defence which was vastly more structured than during the shock 3-1 loss when they met in round seven.
Phoenix coach Mark Rudan surprised by resting playmaker Sarpreet Singh and it was his second-half introduction which provided creativity but not the goal they craved.
The introduction of Sarpreet Singh wasn't enough to help the Phoenix score the goal they needed to scramble a draw. Photo: Photosport
Referee Daniel Elder didn't change his initial non-penalty ruling after viewing a replay of Fenton's clumsy efforts with a bouncing ball, to the fury of visiting coach Steve Corica.
The Phoenix camped on attack for much of the second spell but caused Redmayne few concerns aside from the penalty, while Sydney looked dangerous on the break.
Look back on the match commentary here:
-AAP
