Sydney FC continued its recent dominance of Adelaide United as the A-League's most intense rivalry lived up to its billing at Aussie Stadium today.

Sydney triumphed 2-1 for its fifth win over Adelaide in seven A-League meetings with referee Matthew Breeze issuing nine bookings and twice breaking-up all-in shoving matches.

Adelaide skipper Ross Aloisi gave the visitors a shock lead in the ninth minute, before an Ufuk Talay penalty in the 15th and Mark Rudan goal in the 22nd propelled Sydney to victory.

The victory edged Sydney to within two points of the second-placed Reds - and four clear of fourth spot - while allowing runaway leaders Melbourne to open a 12-point buffer at the top of the table.

After five games without a win, Sydney has now won two straight, and with a near full strength squad available appear on track to challenge for back-to-back titles.

Adelaide coach John Kosmina was allowed back on the sidelines after his four-game touchline ban, but only took his seat near the ground in the second half after watching the opening 45 minutes from the stands.

Adelaide silenced the 14,308-strong crowd in just the ninth minute when Aloisi made Sydney midfielder Talay pay for a dreadful mistake.

Talay was hustled into error by Jason Spagnuolo with the Adelaide midfielder combining with Carl Veart before delivering a perfect ball into the box for the Reds skipper to hammer home his first goal of the season.

Talay, though, made amends just six minutes later.

Sydney earned a penalty when referee Matthew Breeze ruled Adelaide defender Michael Valkanis had handled a low David Zdrilic cross just inside the box.

Valkanis looked bemused by the decision.

But there was no such indecision from Talay, who stepped up to the spot and delivered the equaliser.

Sydney found itself in front by the 22nd minute when skipper Rudan was the first to pounce in the goal mouth.

Terry McFlynn showed great vision to find Steve Corica with a superb pass.

Corica's first-time strike from close range was partly stopped by Robert Bajic's outstretched left mit, but the ball fell perfectly for Rudan who claimed the reward.

The action was furious during a pulsating first half but it took until beyond the hour mark for the tempers to finally ignite.

Veart's stray boot to the mouth of Sydney goalkeeper Clint Bolton did the job in the 61st minute.

Bolton took offence after claiming the ball in the goal-mouth scrap, prompting most of the 22 players into some push-and-shove in the Sydney penalty area.

Breeze issued both Veart and Bolton with yellow cards after clearing the fracas, but it did little to lighten the mood.

Veart took offence at an incident in back play and gave the sideline official a gob full. He then tapped Iain Fyfe on the head, with the Sydney defender dropping straight to the ground in an award-winning display of play-acting.

More pushing and shoving followed, with Bolton charging 60 metres to back up his teammates. No cards were issued.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP