First-place Sydney FC returns to winning ways in A-League

SYDNEY (AP) - Bobo scored twice as Sydney FC rebounded from its first loss in the A-League to beat Melbourne City 3-1 and remain well ahead in the standings.

Sydney's ambitious attempt to become the first team to end the regular season unbeaten ended last week when it was defeated by Western Sydney Wanderers in a fractious local derby, repercussions of which continued through the week.

The Wanderers were fined $20,000 by Football Federation Australia after its fans unfurled an obscene banner targeting Sydney coach Graham Arnold.

On Sunday, Australia national coach Ange Postecoglou heavily criticized the Wanderers' supporters group which was reported to have been responsible for the banner.

"It's a bunch of juvenile idiots and we shouldn't be talking about it a week later," Postecoglou told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio. "I know there's people talking about the punishment and the timing, just get rid of them. They're juveniles, they don't belong, and it's got nothing to do with the sport, to be honest."

Sydney raised itself above that controversy on Friday with a comprehensive win over Melbourne City which briefly took it 11 points clear in first place.

Melbourne Victory restored the gap to eight points when it beat defending champion Adelaide United 2-1, and Perth moved ahead of City into third place when it beat the Wanderers 2-0.

Bobo opened Sydney's scoring with a penalty, but City canceled that out only a minute later.

Sydney went in front again after the break, and Bobo sealed the win, set up by a superb through ball by Milos Ninkovic which highlighted their developing combination.

Midfielder Brandon O'Neil said Sydney was determined to leave behind the contention of their derby loss.

"When it all came out, the FFA and Western Sydney had to deal with it and it did," O'Neil said. "It brought us together and we spoke about a few things, and nothing changed for us. We want to be premier (champions)."

Wellington kept its faint playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Brisbane. On Sunday, Newcastle and Central Coast played to a 1-1 draw to also keep their unlikely top-six chances alive.

Newcastle and Wellington trail sixth-place Western Sydney by two points, with Central Coast four points behind. There are six regular-season rounds remaining.