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The draw will feel like a huge loss for Jim Magilton’s side who are yet to win under their new boss, leaving them four points off a finals spot.
Despite making a brighter start to the contest the Sky Blues failed to make use of their dominance and were made to pay with one minute remaining in the first half. A Matthew Foschini cross was met by the chest of Archie Thompson who brought it down and played it to Isaka Cernak who in turn struck a low drive past Sydney FC 'keeper Liam Reddy.
With the last kick of the first half Fabio left the visitors in utter disbelief as he doubled Melbourne’s lead. A great passage of play down the left his effort past Reddy from an acute angle.
The second goal was a huge blow for Lavicka’s men and he cited concentration as a key element missed at the dying stages of the half.
“Towards the end of the first half we lacked concentration and we got punished for it with two goals”.
Lavicka however went on to be pleased with the team performance
“Overall today was a great performance, we showed great character and we managed to get that much-needed goal.”
The second half of football continues to be Victory’s undoing as Archie Thompson failed to beat Reddy in a one on one situation courtesy of a smart save from the Sydney shot stopper.
In the 57th minute Cazarine took advantage of a rare Ante Covic error as the Victory goalkeeper failed to hold on to a weak cross. The ball fell to the feet of the number nine who had no problems finding the back of the net.
A clean sheet continues to haunt Ante Covic - Melbourne Victory have failed to hold their opponents to nil in well over three months.
Magilton stated that in the second half it was a case of backs against the wall and they were made to pay for that in stoppage time.
Jamieson’s free-kick caused a scramble in the Victory six-yard box and the home team failed to clear their lines. There to take advantage was none other than former Victory player Seb Ryall, who was first to react to find tp put the ball across the line and send the traveling Sydney fans into raptures.
The draw leaves Magilton winless, although he was happy with the positive response following last weeks hammering at the hands of Perth Glory.
“We deserved to win. Credit to Sydney for coming back, however I feel we were a bit naive in the second half. We must however keep believing and keep our mind on the work in hand.”
The Victory boss went on to praise signing incoming defender Mark Milligan.
"Milligan I think played excellent. He has been here for only a few days but was great. He was highly recommended and can bring composure to the game."
With the final few weeks looming, and the Melbourne derby coming up next week, Wednesdays clash against Gold Coast becomes a crucial three points for the blue side of Melbourne, who cannot afford any further slip ups.
Sydney coach Viteszlav Lavicka was referring to his team when imploring that every game from here on in is like a Grand Final however it is Victory who currently cannot afford further slip ups.