Brandon O'Neill stunner spares Sydney FC's blushes

A brilliant long-range effort from Brandon O'Neill has sealed Sydney FC a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Central Coast Mariners. 

After last-minute heartbreak last week against Perth Glory, Mike Mulvey's side got off to the perfect start with former Sky Blues striker Matt Simon opening the scoring in the 16th minute.

The current Mariners skipper gifted a simple finish from short range after a great cross from Matthew Millar found Simon unmarked in the Sydney FC box.

Despite Central Coast dominating most of the first-half, the Sky Blues would head into the break level after Jack Clisby gave away a needless penalty for a lunging tackle on Rhyan Grant. 

Adam Le Fondre stepping up to smash the resulting spot-kick straight through Ben Kennedy in the 42nd minute to make it 1-1 at the break. 

Having pressed Sydney FC throughout the first 45 minutes, the Mariners were made to pay for giving Brandon O'Neill a little too much space early in the second half.

The Sky Blues midfielder finding the top right corner with a stunning long range effort in the 65th minute to give his side the lead. 

Though playing with plenty of promise, the Mariners couldn't find an equaliser as a positive performance once again went unrewarded with Mulvey still searching for his first win in charge.

Steve Corica will be far from happy with his side's overall performance but walks away with all three points.