Sydney FC return to top of A-League with win over Newcastle

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:38 am

Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Sydney FC have put their Gosford nightmare behind them with a 2-1 home win over Newcastle to return to the top of the A-League and send the Jets to their first defeat of the season.

Milos Ninkovic and Bobo scored the goals in a cardless game that ebbed between action and flat periods, as driving rain and wind pummelled Allianz Stadium.

After last weekend's shock defeat to Central Coast, another hiccup would have been somewhat of a crisis for a team who don't 'do' losing.

On Saturday night, the champions played decidedly quicker and with greater purpose, and had a goal within five minutes to show for it.

Bobo, unleashed by David Carney, threaded Jets defenders and skinned Ben Kantarovski and Ivan Vijuca before crossing for Ninkovic's left-foot first-time finish.

Jack Duncan was evaded on that occasion but the visiting goalkeeper made several outstanding saves to keep the Jets in the game. He denied Bobo twice in quick succession before the break.

Unfortunately for Duncan, it amounted to little due to a clanger that allowed Sydney to double their lead on the hour.

A Josh Brillante cross put Bobo through and the gloveman spilled the subsequent overcooked shot, allowing the Brazilian to tap home with ease.

The Jets keenly felt the absence of striker Roy O'Donovan due to a minor groin complaint.

They were still enterprising, with prowling winger Joe Champness proving an industrious outlet and Andrew Nabbout fashioning chances.

Dimi Petratos didn't need any support when he sized up Sydney's goal from 25 metres out and ripped a long-range drive that bounced on the wet surface and skidded straight past a poorly positioned Andrew Redmayne.

Sydney suddenly had a game on their hands, but they also had one on Tuesday to think about in the all-important FFA Cup final.

Perhaps with that in mind, Ninkovic and skipper Alex Brosque - the record-holder for most Sky Blues appearances (179) -- were given early marks to make way for Polish winger Adrian Mierzejewski and A-League debutant Charles Lokolingoy.

The fight continued, stopped only when Champness and Brandon O'Neill clashed heads, but the Jets could not find a way through.