By Associated Press - Sunday, November 12, 2017

SYDNEY (AP) - Defending champion Sydney FC lost its footing atop Australia’s A-League following a 2-0 loss to previously winless Central Coast in the weekend’s sixth round.

Central Coast’s victory and another to Wellington, which also won for the first time this season, changed the shape of the top half of the competition and left unbeaten Newcastle unexpectedly in first place. Melbourne City had a chance to go top when it faced Western Sydney in the last match of the round Sunday but squandered the opportunity in a 1-1 draw.

Newcastle had previously beaten Adelaide 2-1 to improve its record to four wins and two draws. It leads the league by a point from Sydney FC, which had its first loss after four wins and a draw. Melbourne City also has four wins, a draw and a loss.

Sydney had won eight of nine matches against Central Cost and hadn’t lost to the Mariners since 2014 before the teams met Friday. Central Coast led with an 18th-minute goal to Andrew Hoole and clinched the win with a goal to Jake McGing.

Andrija Kaludjerovic scored twice and Roy Krishna assisted on three goals as Wellington thrashed Perth Glory 5-2, knocking Perth back to fifth.

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