Sydney failed to return to the top of the A-League as Perth Glory snapped a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory.

Glory coach Dave Mitchell was forced to field an experimental line up with midfielder Wayne Srhoj suspended and marquee signing Mile Sterjovski only able to make the bench after struggling with a virus.

But after Perth struggled through the first half, the half-time introduction of Sterjovski lifted the home side and three minutes before the hour mark Jamie Coyne crossed for Scott Bulloch to turn home his first of the season to stun Sydney.

And after Sydey wasted several chances to equalise, Andy Todd released Sterjovski with two minutes remaining and he squared the ball for Branko Jelic to apply the emphatic finish.

Perth's win ensured the Glory remained in fifth ahead of Wellington Phoenix, who beat Newcastle Jets 1-0, while Sydney remain second two points adrift of defending champion Melbourne Victory, who beat Brisbane Roar 1-0 yesterday.

At EnergyAustralia Stadium, Phoenix striker Paul Ifill turned home Tony Lochhead's cross after 13 minutes as Wellington claimed just a fourth win of the season.