Sydney FC striker Dwight Yorke again lived up to his star billing as the Hyundai A-League's shining light, scoring the winning goal as his side came from behind to beat Perth Glory 2-1 at a packed Member's Equity Stadium.
Yorke's million-watt smile was again in evidence as he pounced to put Sydney in front midway through the second half, after Sasho Petrovski had equalised moments after the break following a contentious free-kick decision.
The Sydney goals, and the ultimate result, were in stark contrast to the first half, which was in large part dominated by Perth and capped off by Bobby Despotovski's pinpoint header, his fourth goal of the season.
And despite an improved performance in general from Steve McMahon's men, and in particular from their marquee player Brian Deane, the West Australian outfit slipped to its third defeat in four games at home, form which if it continues will see the Glory struggle to feature in the season's finale come March.
Despite the contest being talked up as possibly spiteful during the week, both sets of players showed great respect for each other in the early exchanges, with Perth coming the closest to breaking the deadlock.
Defender Ante Kovacevic's muscular presence at a corner almost brought dividends on the quarter hour, but he could only hook the ball wide from close range after Sydney keeper Clint Bolton had spilt the set-piece.
With Perth winger Hiro Ishida causing the visitor's backline problems, it was the Japanese wide man who proved the catalyst for Perth's opener. His good work freed Jamie Coyne to deliver a sumptuous cross for Despotovski to feast on, his header giving Bolton no chance.
Deane almost doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time when his off-balance shot ballooned over, and he was left to rue the miss moments after the break when Petrovski pounced.
After Coyne was harshly adjudged to have fouled Yorke on the byline, Ufuk Talay's free-kick was not cleared, and Petrovski gleefully accepted the chance from a metre out.
With Perth's prodigal son Damian Mori being introduced alongside Deane and Despotovski on the hour, Glory were fielding a striking threesome with a combined age of 106 years ’Äì but it was Yorke's experience that proved the difference.
On 65 minutes, the former Manchester United hitman was perfectly placed to latch on to Petrovski's flick to bury a left-footer at the far post, and take himself to the top of the Hyundai League's scoring chart alongside Despotovski.