It was another thrilling weekend of Hyundai A-League action and we’ve got you covered with everything that went down in Round 6 with our Monday morning wrap.
SKY BLUES SUNK BY MARINERS
Central Coast brought up their first win of the season in emphatic fashion with a surprise 2-0 triumph over reigning Champions Sydney FC.
The Mariners finally reaped the rewards of some superb football with Andrew Hoole finishing off a fine counter in the first half before a thumping Jake McGing header secured all three points.
As Paul Okon busted out the dance moves in celebration post-match, Graham Arnold was left searching for answers as his side were handed their first defeat of the season.
Despite hitting the post late on, Sydney FC managed just one shot on target as they were humbled by a hungrier Central Coast side.
JETS SOAR TO THE SUMMIT
Gifted a chance to snatch top spot from the Sky Blues courtesy of their F3 rivals, Newcastle took the rare opportunity with both hands as they came from behind to beat Adelaide United 2-1.
Though slow out of the gate falling behind to a Nikola Mileusnic effort, Ernie Merrick’s men picked up a gear as the game progressed with goals to Andrew Nabbout and Ben Kantarovski.
The three points ensuring last season’s wooden spoon winners have completed a remarkable reversal of fortunes by climbing to the A-League summit after six games.
The competition’s leading scorer, Roy O’Donovan, did spurn a golden chance to extend the Jets lead and add to his tally with a moment he’ll hope to forget.
It was similarly a game to forget for the Reds who couldn’t make the most of their chances and have now lost three straight games.
ROAR CLAW BACK AGAINST VICTORY
A returning Besart Berisha did what he does by best a scoring on the turn after 79 minutes for Victory, but substitute Brett Holman would respond just five minutes later for the Roar.
While a result neither side would have hoped for, two youngsters stood up with impressive performances.
At just 17, Christian Theoharous came off the bench to create the chance for Berisha’s goal with his first real involvement while 20-year-old Brisbane defender Connor O’Toole impressed throughout at left back.
SEVEN-GOAL THRILLER IN WELLINGTON
At the venue of a gritty and goalless World Cup Qualifier between New Zealand and Peru just 24 hours prior, the goals came thick and fast at Westpac Stadium as Wellington picked up their first win in style.
Despite falling behind inside ten minutes, the Phoenix attack found full flight as they struck five times to humble the Glory 5-2.
While not getting his name on the score sheet, Wellington captain Roy Krishna was the star of the show notching up three assists as he caused the Glory all sorts of problems.
Kenny Lowe’s side may have edged possession but were cut apart by a lethal Nix attack.
MISSED CHANCES COST CITY
With top spot theirs for the taking, Warren Joyce’s side failed to capitalise on a rusty Wanderers outfit in an end-to-end 1-1 draw.
In Josep Gombau’s first game in charge, the Red and Black struck first through the promoted Jaushua Sotirio but looked vulnerable at the back with Ross McCormack tucking away a VAR-awarded penalty in the 55th minute.
While McCormack got his name on the score sheet for a fourth time this season, it was a tough night in front of goals for the Scottish star with Western Sydney keeper Vedran Janjetovic coming out on top.
The result was the Wanderers fifth draw in a row, while second-placed City are winless in two having won their first four games this season.
