Ifill denies Sydney comeback
PAUL Ifill's late penalty ensured Sydney's dramatic comeback counted for naught, as Wellington won the sudden-death final 3-2.
The Phoenix seemed to have won the game 12 minutes from time when Ben Sigmund headed the New Zealand outfit two in front, after Tim Brown's opener, but Sydney striker Joel Chianese inspired a dramatic comeback.
Ten minutes from time, Nicky Carle's pass was deflected into Chianese's path in the penalty area and the young striker superbly lobbed the ball over Mark Paston.
Three minutes later, Chianese then made it two-apiece after Paston parried Mark Bridge's effort.
Ifill, who was guilty of spurning chances earlier in the game, won the chance to seal victory four minutes from time when he broke into the Sydney penalty area and was bundled over by Michael Beauchamp.
Read the full match report at ABC news online
