Substitute David Carney’s controversial 77th-minute goal gave Sydney FC all three points in an entertaining A-League encounter with the Central Coast Mariners, from which the undefeated Sky Blues emerged 3-2 winners.
Carney, who had replaced Berni Ibini on 68 minutes, popped up with a near-post finish to settle a contest the Mariners had managed to keep alive against the odds. Replays later showed Carney was in an offside position.
Sydney were seemingly cruising towards their 11th win of the season after marquee striker Bôbo struck either side of the break, the first a wonderful volleyed effort and the second a simple finish after Miloš Ninković had laid the chance on a plate.
But a miscued defensive header from Filip Hološko at a Mariners set piece on 66 minutes changed the course of the game; the ball skewed back into the box off the Slovak’s forehead, presenting Roy O’Donovan with the opportunity to nod home from close range.
The Mariners passed a glorious chance to get back onto level terms six minutes later when Sydney defender Rhyan Grant bundled over Connor Pain in the box and Fábio Ferreira’s woeful spot kick was sent sailing well over the bar.
But an equaliser did arrive soon enough, with Scott Galloway following up a parried O’Donovan effort on goal to get his side back in the game at 2-2.
Yet, as celebrations were just dying down in the stands, Carney settled the match with his contentious effort, sparking angry scenes on the sidelines as Paul Okon berated fourth official Chris Beath.
The Mariners coach’s remonstrations came to nought, and Sydney held on to extend their lead at the top of the A-League ladder to seven points, although they will be without Josh Brillante for next week’s Sydney derby after the defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.
It also appears likely Graham Arnold will be without Seb Ryall, who was replaced by Brillante after the stand-in captain limped off with a hamstring injury early in the first half.
