A-League Review: Nikola Petkovic controversy in table-topping clash

Sydney captain Petkovic fired a free-kick past unsuspecting United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in the 68th minute, only for it to be chalked off as referee Alan Milliner had not whistled for the set-piece to be taken.

It proved a controversial moment in an entertaining game that saw United and Sydney both move above Melbourne Victory to become A-League joint-leaders on 11 points, with the latter top on goal difference.

In the day's other game, a late Nathan Burns goal gave the Wellington Phoenix a 1-0 victory over the newly-crowned Asian champions Western Sydney Wanderers in Wellington.

Burns' 79th-minute strike separated the sides, with goalkeeper Ante Covic denying the home side a second late on when he saved Michael McGlinchey's late penalty.

Defeat " their third straight to start the 2014-15 A-League season " consigned the Western Sydney Wanderers to another week at the foot of the table, while the Phoenix have climbed to fourth after their third win of the campaign.