Mariners and Wellington shape up as Premiership contenders
The A-League now has a new leader, following Central Coast’s 3-0 demolition of Macarthur at Campbeltown Stadium. The reigning Champions are now in poll position to secure this season’s Premiership although will continue to face a tough challenge from Wellington.
Although Wellington Phoenix dropped top position after their 1-0 to Melbourne City over the weekend, the team will be hoping the result is just a blip in their run of good form. The Nix have occupied top spot since round 11 this season, and have only lost one of their past 10 games.
However five of those results were draws and there is evidence to suggest the Phoenix are running out of steam. The Kiwis have won close contests through resolute defending but have struggled more so to find the back of the net. Despite sitting top for most of the season, the club has only scored 33 goals this campaign, ranking 8th in the competition.
Finals race narrowing
The Wellington loss though has been a huge disruptor for the finals race. Melbourne City’s win against the former ladder leaders came as a shock to the league, and leaves them just two points out of the top six. Western Sydney on the other hand suffered a shocking loss to bottom of the ladder Western United, leaving the Wanderers dangerously close to exiting the finals race.
Other finals contenders, Sydney and Brisbane, played out a 1-1 draw which keeps the finals race close in the mid table and leaves four teams with a chance of snagging the finals spots.
Entertaining matches highlights of the rounds
Amazingly the games with seemingly least to play for proved to be the most entertaining of the round. Melbourne Victory overcame their rivals Adelaide United in a 2-1 win played out in front of a passionate Adelaide crowd. Adam Taggart meanwhile underlined his Golden Boot credentials by scoring a 90th minute equaliser in Perth’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle.
The Beautiful Game 