Sydney FC crashed to the bottom of the A-League table when they suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat at the hands of competition newcomers Wellington Phoenix. The home side looked good early when Adam Casey struck home the opening goal with a long-range shot from outside the box after just 6 minutes, but the Sydneysiders were still celebrating when Wellington's Brazilian striker Felipe equalised. It got worse for Sydney when Daniel went down in the box before the half-hour mark and the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was slotted home, giving the Phoenix a 2-1 lead they were able to maintain for the remainder of the match. It was a result to celebrate for the New Zealand side, that sees them record their first ever victory; but will prompt soul-searching for Sydney FC as their season threatens to unravel. Sydney FC 1 (A Casey 6) Wellington Phoenix 2 (Felipe 8, Daniel 29 pen). Referee - M Breeze. Crowd - 11,491 at Sydney Football Stadium. For much of Saturday night's Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United game, the match looked set to finish in a scoreless draw as both sides struggled to create opportunities. But that was to change with just 9 minutes left on the clock when Matthew Bridge pounced on a corner to head home the winner. It was the second win on the trot for the Jets, a result that sees them narrow the gap on competition leaders Central Coast, raising the prospects of northern NSW domination in the A-League season. Newcastle Jets 1 (M Bridge 81) Adelaide United 0. Referee - A Nardi. Crowd - 13,627 at Energy Australia Stadium. Central Coast dropped points for the first time this season when they held reigning champions Melbourne Victory to a scoreless draw at Telstra Dome on Sunday. After the Victory looked strong early, the Mariners held them out magnificently and during the second half threatened to spring the upset result; and it was only a series of brilliant saves by Victory keeper Michael Theoklitos that ensured the Melbourne side would salvage a point from this match. Melbourne Victory 0 Central Coast Mariners 0. Referee - M Shield. Crowd - 27,381 at Telstra Dome. |
ROUND 4: Sydney FC 1 Wellington Phoenix 2 Newcastle Jets 1 Adelaide United 0 Melbourne Victory 0 Cent Cst M'ners 0 Perth Glory 1 Queensland Roar 2 ROUND 5: Friday 21st September Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory(8pm) Saturday 22nd September Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide Utd (5pm) Queensland Roar v Sydney FC (7pm) Sunday 23rd September Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory(5pm) |
|