Patrick Wood is making an increasingly compelling case to lead the line for Sydney FC after firing Steve Corica’s men into the Australia Cup final with victory over Melbourne City.

Wood’s first-half strike set Sydney on its way on Sunday before Joe Lolley finished things off in the second half as part of a 2-1 win at AAMI Park.

Wood, 21, forward has four goals in as many Cup games to start the year and will no doubt give Corica food for thought ahead of the new A-League Men season as he considers who will replace Adam Le Fondre.

Sydney has signed Brazilian forward Fabio Gomes, but Wood’s sharp finishing has been vital to powering the Sky Blues into their first final since 2018.

Sydney will face the winner of Sunday’s later tie between Melbourne Knights and Brisbane Roar after grinding its way to victory over a City side still finding their groove after an off-season exodus.

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Lolley signalled Sydney’s intent early on when he thrashed an effort onto Jamie Young’s crossbar.

City’s off-season Croatian recruit Marin Jakolis, who is eligible for Australia, had his side’s best chance of the first half but could only cannon his effort at Andrew Redmayne.

Wood broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when he burst down the right and belted the ball past Young and up into the roof of the net.

Lolley put the Sky Blues two goals ahead after a searing run down the right flank in the 73rd minute.

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Gomes was given a debut late in the contest with fellow countryman, centre back Gabriel Lacerda, making his Sydney bow.

Wood and Lacerda were involved in a late mix-up at the back which allowed Jamie Maclaren to sneak in and pull one back for City in the 89th minute, but Corica’s men held on to secure a win.

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