Despite a Nick Fitzgerald wonderstrike, 10-man Melbourne City were unable to close the gap at the top of the Hyundai A-League table after a 3-1 loss to league leaders Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Friday night.
After a pulsating opening period, a 24th-minute Bobo penalty opened the scoring for the visitors but was immediately cancelled out by in-form Fitzgerald’s thunderous volley from the edge of the box.
City were dealt a blow after defender Manny Muscat was sent off for a second yellow card, but were dominant in both possession and chances created as both sides entered the break on level terms.
Brandon O’Neill then fired the visitors ahead with a well-placed free-kick, while Bobo completed his brace to round out the scoring as City will look to regroup and focus on next Sunday’s clash against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
