Crossword Genius

Ponders ugly stain and sticky substance (6,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

golden syrup

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sticky substance' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'ponders ugly stain' is the wordplay.
'ponders ugly' can be anagrammed to 'GOLDEN SYRUP'.
However, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for golden syrup that I've seen before include "Product of the evaporation of cane sugar juice" , "which could make for sticky situation" , "Sticky, sugary yellow foodstuff" , "Pale treacle" , "sweetener" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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