Sydney FC back to winning ways as A-League resumes

Sydney - Rebooting the event has been a logistical nightmare with borders between some Australian states shut

 Defending champions Sydney FC stretched their lead at the top of the A-League Friday with a last-gasp 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix as the Australian domestic competition resumed after a four-month coronavirus shutdown.

A goal by Adam Le Fondre and a late brace from super-sub Trent Buhagiar ensured three points after the New Zealand team went 1-0 up near the hour mark when Liberato Cacace was hacked down in the box and Reno Piscopo buried the penalty.

The victory edged the Sky Blues closer to winning a record fourth premiership title ahead of the finals series with Steve Corica's team now 11 points clear of second placed Melbourne City with five games left to play.

The top six on the 11-team ladder make the finals.
The A-League kicked off in October and was nearing the end of its regular season when it was suspended in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rebooting the event has been a logistical nightmare with borders between some Australian states shut.
It has meant teams have had to relocate to ensure the season can be completed with almost all remaining games being played in New South Wales.

Several Europe-based players and coaches are missing, opting to remain in their home countries rather than return and undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Perth Glory take on the struggling Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, with Brisbane Roar facing Adelaide United a day later and Sydney again in action on Tuesday against Newcastle Jets.