A last-gasp winner from debutant Ranko Despotovic has earned Sydney FC a 2-1 triumph over Wellington Phoenix.

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Kenny Cunningham looked to have secured a draw for the visitors in the first minute of added-on time, before Despotovic tapped home three minutes later.

After a slow start at the Sydney Football Stadium, Richard Garcia gave the home side the lead after 35 minutes with a stunning effort into the top corner.

Sydney continued to look in control going into the final 20 minutes, but they were reduced to 10 men when Pedj Bojic was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Wellington began to push for an equaliser, and they finally breached Sydney's defence at the start of injury time when Cunningham converted from a corner.

However, as the visitors attempted to steal the three points, Sydney won the ball to break clear, and it was Serbian Despotovic who scored a dramatic winner from two yards to help his side move into third position in the A-League table.