By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Sydney, March 14 - Andrew Durante had barely achieved one long-awaited A-League soccer goal with his head last night before another started slipping from his grasp.

The Wellington Phoenix captain experienced contrasting emotions in quick succession at the Sydney Football Stadium as New Zealand's tilt at the title ended with a 2-4 defeat to Sydney FC.

An inspirational leader and central defender during his second year with the Phoenix, there was one facet where the Australian was yet to leave a lasting impression -- the score sheet.

Despite going the distance in each of the Phoenix's 29 games before last night's preliminary final, Durante had never scored, a curse that started when he joined the A-League with Newcastle in 2006.

Then, finally, in his 86th appearance in the competition Durante timed his run perfectly to meet Leo Bertos' cross flush with the forehead and thud the ball past Clint Bolton.

Durante had to wait 2695 minutes this season for a goal scoring celebration, but sadly for the 27-year-old, Sydney FC soon crashed the party.

Chris Payne's goal from a blatant hand ball three minutes later in the 29th minute gifted the hosts a 2-1 lead they doubled before Eugene Dadi's late consolation.

Durante had mixed feelings after failing to replicate his title-winning deeds with the Newcastle Jets two seasons ago.

"It was great to get the goal but I wish it meant something towards the end of the game," he said.

"I'd rather not score and win the game to be honest."

"I was on a real high scoring the goal and they pinched one back. "It was pretty tough to take. We sort of rallied the boys at halftime and said 'it's not over' but we were always chasing the game and they caught us out a couple of times."

Although devastated by the premature end of a history-making campaign, Durante had many fond memories.

"It's been such a great journey, the fans, the sell-out crowds the last couple of weeks. It's been a great experience," he said.

"A lot of people picked us to come nowhere."

Durante said last night's disappointment would be a motivating factor in 2010-11.

"We've got most of the players still on contract next season, we'll add some new players to give us an even better chance of making the final next year."

But he admitting it would be a hard season to top.

"We've broken records, we've got fantastic support behind us now. I think it's only going to get better and better for the club."