A-League Sunday Review

Sydney moved three points clear at the top of with a 1-0 win over Adelaide as Melbourne Victory suffered a surprise defeat.

Steve Corica's deflected 49th-minute effort secured the Sky Blues a ninth win from 11 home matches this season and extended their unbeaten run to five games.

"Its been a busy week, but we've had good results against Melbourne, Central Coast and now Adelaide," said Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka.

"We are going in the right direction, we must continue to be humble, hard working and respect our opponents."

The Reds slipped to the foot of the table as their recent struggles continued.

"Sydney were very slick and very, very good," said Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar, whose side have won just once in their last nine games.

And with North Queensland striker Dyron Daal celebrating his new contract by bagging the only goal at Dairy Farmers Stadium as the Fury stunned Melbourne, Sydney head into 2010 top of the pile - albeit having played a game more.

North Queensland made an encouraging start in Townsville and were rewarded after 30 minutes as marquee signing Robbie Fowler set up Daal, who chested down and fired low and hard past Melbourne goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak.

After recording a third consecutive home win, North Queensland moved above Adelaide and Wellington Phoenix into eighth place and are just two points outside of the play-offs alongside Central Coast Mariners.

After seeing their five-game unbeaten streak ended, Melbourne are just two points clear of third-placed Gold Coast United, who demolished Brisbane Roar 5-1 yesterday.

"I felt as if we were the better team in the first half, and the playing through to Robbie Fowler and to Dyron Daal was fantastic," said Fury coach Ian Ferguson.

"I am happy with a 1-0 win, the good thing is we are playing some good football and we are in there creating some good chances too.

"The biggest problem has been we have been inconsistent but tonight the performance and the effort the boys put has been fantastic."