Looking to hold on to a position in the top five with two matches remaining, Sydney United were desperate for a win against the fourth placed Manly side.

But the Reds were unable to leap in front, losing three men on their way to a 1-0 loss at Sydney United Sports Centre, leaving their premiership aspirations in tatters.

Mid-way through the second half the Reds capitulated, with Josip Moric, Todd Brodie and Damon Collina all given an early departure from the field, with red cards proving the demise of the home side.

Craig Midgley scored the only goal of the match, making no mistake from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

The Marconi Stallions squandered a two goal lead to surrender to the Wollongong Wolves last Sunday.

Holding the advantage with only 22 minutes of play remaining, the Stallions conceded three goals in the space of 17minutes to succumb to the 3-2 defeat at Crehan Park.

Tallan Martin was the first on the board for the boys from Bossley Park, taking advantage of some brilliant lead up work from Tolgay Ozbey to head home the match opener. Martin was again in the thick of the action early in the second half, earning his side a penalty after Alfredo Esteves was ruled to have pushed him in the back in the box.

Jay Lucas stepped up to the spot and doubled the Stallions' lead in the 54th minute.

But two goals to the Wolves' Chris Price in the 68th and 76th minute gave the home side a sniff of victory.

It was Illija Prenzoski who grabbed the Wolves third goal of the half, snatching victory from the Stallions in the latter stages of the match.

The Stallions take on Bankstown City in the final match of the season on Sunday at Marconi Stadium at 3pm.