13.04.2014 11:37 h

Football: Del Piero sets up Sydney win to reach play-offs

Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero laid on both goals as Sydney FC defeated Perth Glory 2-1 to clinch a play-off spot in Australia's A-League on Sunday.

Del Piero, who may be playing in his last season with the Sydneysiders, provided the assists for both goals to Terry Antonis and Richard Garcia.

Garcia's stoppage-time winner after being put into the clear by Del Piero's defence-splitting pass lifted the Sky Blues to fifth spot and a knockout match against Melbourne Victory in Melbourne on Good Friday.

Defending champions Central Coast Mariners, who beat Brisbane Roar 2-0 on Saturday to finish third, will host Adelaide United in the other play-off next Saturday.

Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers, who finished first and second on the final season standings, will skip the opening weekend of the playoffs and will play the winners on the following weekend.

Wanderers scored twice in the last nine minutes to defeat Melbourne Heart 3-2 and spoil Harry Kewell's farewell A-League match in Melbourne on Saturday.

Late goals to Brendon Santalab and Dutchman Youssouf Hersi claimed all three points for the Wanderers to finish second on the final standings.

Australian international Kewell, 35, the former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray star, had announced this would be his last match after 18 years in the game.

The Mariners played with purpose and were good value for their win over Brisbane following first-half goals from Nick Fitzgerald and Anthony Caceres.

Melbourne Victory claimed fourth spot and home advantage in the playoffs with a 4-1 win over Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand earlier Saturday.

Victory were always in command after goals from Archie Thompson, James Troisi, Guilherme Finkler and a penalty from Mark Milligan before Phoenix got a stoppage-time consolation goal.