How your team fared and who made the headlines from the weekend. Your 60 second bluffer’s guide to the Hyundai A-League.
What a way to start the season! If Kevin Muscat was hoping to keep his side’s title credentials under the radar, it was blown out of the water inside the first 30 minutes against Wanderers. New boys Besart Berisha, Matthieu Delpierre and Carl Valeri made immediate impacts while Archie Thompson, Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses looked hard to stop in the 4-1 demolition. Still have skipper Mark Milligan to come back into the side. See the highlights
Much of the feel-good factor surrounding the Wanderers from their astonishing AFC Champions League run has been soured by the worst defeat in the club’s history, conceding four goals in a match for the first time. No doubt the absence of skipper Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Socceroos) and Matthew Spiranovic (rehabbing an ankle injury) didn’t help and perhaps they had one eye on the ACL final. Will need to pick themselves up quickly for the Sydney derby next weekend. Hear from Tony Popovic
The Mariners continued their impressive home record against the Jets with Mitchell Duke popping up in injury time to steal all three points in the 1-0 win. It wasn’t one of their prettiest performances but you should never expect the most fluent efforts in the early rounds. The three points are all that matters and in true Mariners style, they got the job done. New striker Malick Mane was superb for Phil Moss’ side and looks a real gem. See the highlights
What a heart-breaker for Phil Stubbins and the Jets! That’s now just one win from 17 games at the hands of their nearest rivals. The Jets played well enough to earn a point, but were made to pay for some wasteful finishing and a late defensive lapse. Their attacking players always looked a threat, which is encouraging and predictions they will struggle this campaign should possibly be revised. Hear from Phil Stubbins
Without a host of players through international duty and injury, the Sky Blues weren’t at their best but did enough to avoid defeat over a star-studded Melbourne City. Corey Gameiro continued his rich vein of form from the pre-season, with an early contender for goal of the season in the 1-1 draw. See the highlights
All eyes were on Spanish superstar David Villa pre-game and he didn’t disappoint, coming off the bench to earn his side a well-deserved 1-1 draw. It was a great finish by Villa who is only going to get better after a few more matches and training sessions with his new team-mates. The performances of Damien Duff, James Brown and Aaron Mooy are exciting signs this is season is going to be one heck of a ride for City. See David Villa’s goal
Much like the start of last season, the Phoenix was made to pay for not taking their early chances, slumping to a rare defeat on home soil to the Glory. Not only were Phoenix wasteful in front of goal, but they were punished for two sloppy defensive lapses. The only bright spot was a debut goal for Michael McGlinchey, after a superb team move involving Roly Bonevacia and Nathan Burns. See the highlights
Glory created their own bit of history with their 2-1 win over the Phoenix, their first opening round win away from home. And Kenny Lowe’s side was good value for it, withstanding an early onslaught before hitting them with a couple of clinical counter-attacks. Striker Andy Keogh looks an ideal replacement for Shane Smeltz while new-boys Mitch Nichols, Youssouf Hersi and Richard Garcia all contributed to a drought-breaking win. Hear from Kenny Lowe
Life after Besart Berisha and Ivan Franjc hasn’t got off to a good start for the defending champions. Despite taking an early lead, the Roar were pegged back by a well-drilled and positive Adelaide United outfit, eventually losing 2-1. Will be without Matt McKay for at least one match after he was sent off for showing dissent to referee Ben Williams. See the highlights
Showed tremendous character to fight back from a goal down to stun the defending champions. Coach Josep Gombau’s new 3-4-3 formation worked well and allowed the Reds to get in behind Brisbane’s defence on numerous occasions. Bruce Djite’s equalizer was a tremendous strike to drag his side back into the contest. Sets up a huge round two clash with Melbourne Victory on Friday night at Adelaide Oval. Hear from Josep Gombau
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Victory lay down championship marker
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