| A-League Scoreboard - Round 2 |
| Central Coast's strong start to the A-League season continued with the Mariners recording a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Stadium. After an injury-riddled first two seasons, Nick Mrdja celebrated his return to fitness with a 7th minute strike to give the Mariners an early lead; and when Adam Kwasnik landed one just 6 minutes later the game already looked beyond the Phoenix' reach. Mrdja's second before the break put the issue beyond doubt. The Phoenix lifted after half-time, and pressed for a goal to restore some respectability; but it wasn't to be, with the Mariners recording a 3-0 victory. Central Coast Mariners 3 (Mrdja 7, 34; A Kwasnik 13) Wellington Phoenix 0. Referee - P Green. Crowd - 9,052 at Bluetongue Stadium. As was the case in round 1, Sydney FC were slow out of the blocks when they hosted Adelaide United, and the Reds made them pay when Richie Alagich headed one home after just 8 minutes. But this time the locals would fight back when Ufuk Talay equalised just 4 minutes later. 1-1 at the break, and with 16 minutes to go Sydney FC hit the lead after a fine effort from Alex Brosque. But the lead was to be short-lived, with a defensive mix-up minutes later giving Nathan Burns the simplest of shots to level the game. Sydney FC 2 (U Talay 12, A Brosque 74) Adelaide United 2 (R Alagich 8, N Burns 76). Referee - M Shield. Crowd - 14,233 at Sydney Football Stadium. A good crowd of over 31,000 turned up to Telstra Dome on Saturday night for reigning champions Melbourne Victory's first game of the new campaign, and they had reason to feel confident against a Perth Glory side that had never taken a point from their travels to Melbourne in the past. But, weakened by the loss of Fred up forward, the Victory were unable to convert any of their numerous chances; and 0-0 was how it finished. Melbourne Victory 0 Perth Glory 0. Referee - P O'Leary. Crowd - 31,545 at Telstra Dome. |
