Here’s your Monday morning fix of Hyundai A-League Round 8 with a recap of results, video highlights and reaction.
Central Coast Mariners 2-0 Perth Glory
Finally, a clean sheet for the Coast! And a hugely deserved three points against a disappointing Glory on Thursday night. Things are starting to click nicely for Paul Okon’s men who are looking more and more like a top six threat after goals from Ascroft and O’Donovan.
REPORT: Central Coast bank clean sheet in win over Glory
HIGHLIGHTS: Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
REACTION: Mariners skipper delighted with clean sheet
REACTION: Beware the Mariners: Glory coach
Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Brisbane Roar
Still to win at Spotless, Wanderers however showed enough promise to suggest a three-point haul is not far off after this clash. Wanderers’ playmaker Nico Martinez continued to show his wonderful skills and vision on Friday night against a largely disappointing Brisbane, particularly in the second half when the home side ran Roar ragged.
REPORT: Wanderers denied first home win by resolute Roar
HIGHLIGHTS: Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar
REACTION: Belief key to Wanderers turnaround: Popovic
REACTION: Roar boss Aloisi demands ‘braver’ Brisbane
Melbourne Victory 2-0 Newcastle Jets
A Marco Rojas second half double consigned the injury-ridden Jets to another loss on Saturday. Victory’s “Kiwi Messi” is proving one of the best re-signings in the Hyundai A-League as the Big V continue their charge back up the ladder.
REPORT: Rojas fires Victory past Jets
HIGHLIGHTS: Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets
REACTION: Victory midfielder relishing starring role
REACTION: Jets defender sick of ‘sloppy’ errors
Sydney FC 0-0 Adelaide United
The Sky Blues’ juggernaut continues, albeit at a slightly slower pace, following their second draw in as many weeks against a Reds outfit that brought a defensive steel to Allianz, akin to last season’s Championship-winning side.
REPORT: Sydney, Adelaide share points in Allianz arm-wrestle
HIGHLIGHTS: Sydney FC v Adelaide United
REACTION: Zullo disappointed by ‘flat’ Sydney FC
REACTION: Isaias satisfied with Adelaide’s away point
Melbourne City 2-1 Wellington Phoenix.
The lethal Roy Krishna scored his fifth goal of the season, but Phoenix were denied at least a point after a late penalty secured Melbourne City the points at AAMI Park on Sunday to give City a timely boost ahead of Wednesday night’s Westfield FFA Cup Final with Sydney FC.
REPORT: City see off Phoenix to go second
HIGHLIGHTS: Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix
REACTION: Melbourne City star calls for greater courage
REACTION: Plucky Phoenix deserved a draw: Durante
