Ex Saddler Steve Corica and Dwight Yorke’s Sydney FC were crowned the first A-League champions after beating the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the final on Sunday.

Playing in front of a capacity crowd at the Sydney Football Stadium, both sides were deadlocked at half-time but a goal from Corica in the 61st minute clinched victory for Sydney.

Corica’s strike followed some outstanding work from Dwight Yorke, who showed the benefit of his experience by slowing down the play close to the penalty area so as to commit two defenders and wait for his support. He then dribbled the ball into the path of the running Corica, who released a shot on goal that went to the right of Central Coast goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

Following Corica’s goal, the Mariners tried in vain to produce an equaliser to push the grand final into extra time, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

Yorke, who had recovered from a lacklustre first half to set up Corica for his goal, had his efforts rewarded when he was named as winner of the Joe Marston Medal for the Man of the Match.

Corica had one shot go wide and another saved by Vukovic in the second half and always presented a threat.