Updated
Sydney FC has continued its return to form, beating the Melbourne Heart 2-0 at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The Heart continued their struggles in front of goal, which have now stretched to more than six hours of football without a score.
SCOREBOARD: MHT 0-2 SYD
 | Heart 0-2 Sky Blues |  |
|---|---|---|
| at AAMI Park, November 15, 2013 | ||
| 4 | Shots on target | 6 |
| 6 | Shots off target | 6 |
| 52% | Possession | 48% |
| 7 | Corners | 7 |
| 2 | Offsides | 0 |
View full stats sheet
But the Sky Blues made the most of first half chances, to take a 2-0 half-time lead that was never threatened.
Sydney's Nick Carle told Grandstand that he was happy with his side's creativity and tenacity to see out the win.
"I think we've done it (played well) three games in a row," he said.
"The last two (performances) have been in wins.
"I felt the first half we played some good football, and in the second half we knuckled down away from home and didn't let them get back into the game.
"We've had three really good games on the bounce, (but) for us we've got to keep that going ... we're still not 100 per cent."
We've had three really good games on the bounce, (but) for us we've got to keep that going ... we're still not 100 per cent.
Sydney FC's Nick Carle
Sydney opened the scoring in the 27th minute, when Joel Chianese was fouled in the area by Rob Wielaert. Alessandro del Piero converted the spot-kick to grab his third goal of the season.
The visitors doubled their lead on the cusp of half-time, when Chianese was on hand to tap in a cross from close range.
The Heart tried to rebound in the second 45 minutes, but luck or inspiration eluded them, and Sydney ran out the game for the three points.
The win, following the Sky Blues' victory over Melbourne Victory last week, moves Sydney FC up to nine points for the season and third spot on the ladder.
The Heart remain winless on two points for six games, and John Aloisi's team is in real danger of losing touch with the finals even at this early stage of the year.
However Heart striker Golgol Mehbrahtu remained upbeat after the match, despite the result.
We have to keep belief in ourselves, (belief) that we can do it, we're not that far away.
Melbourne Heart's Golgol Mehbrahtu
"We've not played too badly but we need to keep going," Mehbrahtu told Grandstand.
"We have to keep belief in ourselves, (belief) that we can do it, we're not that far away."
Asked what positives coach Aloisi could take from the game, Mehbrahtu said:
"The way we fought till the last minute shows our character."
Sydney FC: 2 (Del Piero (pen) 27', Chianese 45')
Melbourne Heart: 0
Topics: sport, soccer, a-league, sydney-2000, nsw, melbourne-3000, vic, australia
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