Sydney's woes deepen

Sydney FC are still winless in the A-League after a 1-1 home draw with the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.

In a scrappy first half it was the reigning champions who twice went closest to breaking the deadlock.

First, Mark Bridge's deflected shot looped past Central Coast goalkeeper Matthew Ryan but hit the post.

Then Sebastian Ryall's long-range effort again had Ryan beaten but just shaved the left-hand upright.

After the break Sydney came out with intent and went ahead after 47 minutes when Ryan fumbled a cross and 19-year-old Rhyan Grant was on hand to score.

But the goal inspired the Mariners and they controlled the next 20 minutes before restoring parity.

On 70 minutes, Mariners star debutant Patricio Perez earned a penalty for the visitors when referee Matthew Breeze ruled Sydney 'keeper Liam Reddy had brought him down in the area.

Breeze also showed a red card to Reddy.

Perez coolly stroked the ball past substitute 'keeper Ivan Necevski for the equaliser.

The penalty and sending off angered the Sydney players and a procession of yellow cards followed, although the Mariners couldn't take advantage of this as scores finished deadlocked.

Sydney FC 1 (Rhyan Grant 47)
Central Coast Mariners 1 (Patrizio Perez 73p)
Crowd: 10,147 at the Sydney Football Stadium