Macarthur FC keep ahead with Victoria teams hot on their heels

Macarthur FC continues its dream start of the season as they are still alone at the top of the A-League and are now the only undefeated team so far.

The Bulls, at the completion of round 4 where they beat the Wanderers away, have kept their place as league leaders, closely followed by Victorian rivals.

All three Melbourne side earned wins to see them occupy positions 2nd – 4th while Arthur Papas’ Newcastle scored their maiden victory with a massive 4-0 result over Wellington.

Central Coast extended Sydney’s winless start in the A-League this season.

Another highlight of the round was the large amount of debut A-League goals, the most impressive coming from youngsters Jake Hollman (Macarthur) and Nishan Velupillay (Victory), which contributed to huge away wins for their respective sides.

Central Coast – Sydney FC 2-0
The Mariners entered the top five on Sunday evening at Gosford with their success over Sydney.

The home side dominated the first half, striking twice through striker Marcos Urena (13’) and an own goal from midfielder Anthony Caceres, the latter being a deflection from right back Lewis Miller’s expertly driven ball across goal.

The Sky Blues never settled into the game, making it light work for the Mariners as they earned all three points.

Central Coast striker Damian Tsekenis played 20 minutes of the match, coming on as a substitute.

READ MORE: Clash of the undefeated between Wanderers and Bulls while Adelaide hosts the “Original Rivalry”

Adelaide United – Melbourne Victory 1-2
In Saturday’s premiere fixture, Melbourne reigned supreme to earn their first win in Adelaide since January 2017.

After a tense first half, Victory struck first in the 59th minute when winger Marco Rojas’ cross was slotted with composure into the bottom right corner by striker Francesco Margiotta.

Adelaide scored next in the 70th after a shot across goal following a corner was heavily deflected, with defender Jacob Tratt’s head getting the final touch before it crossed the line.

The visitors got their lead back thanks to a tap-in from forward Nishan Velupillay (78’) after a great low ball across goal from winger Robbie Kruse.

The Victorian side will be dismayed at left back Jason Davidson’s second yellow send off, which means he’ll miss next week’s derby against Melbourne City.

Victory manager Tony Popovic was impressed with the resilience of his side to bounce back after conceding, something he felt they lacked last week when they lost to Perth.

“Last week once we conceded I never felt we could come back and one week later, hostile environment, we scored a wonderful second goal and then we had to be really tough at the end, that’s a little bit of progress for us,” said Mr Popovic post-match.

Western Sydney – Macarthur FC 0-2
Macarthur’s A-League ambitions are quite clear after producing another enormous scalp this season with their away win over the Wanderers.

It took 64 minutes for Macarthur to break the deadlock, when right back Tomislav Uskok had two attempts on goal, the first being saved by keeper Tomas Meijias, before the rebound was smashed into the back of the net.

Midfielder Jake Hollman made sure of the result when his shot crept in off the left post in the 74th minute.

Western Sydney’s plethora of Greek-Australian talent in Terry Antonis, Dimitri Petratos, John Koutroumbis and James Troisi could do nothing to reverse their club’s fortunes.

Western United – Brisbane Roar 1-0
Western United extended their winning streak after a third 1-0 result in as many weeks, with Brisbane stuck on one point from their first four matches.

The Green and Blacks looked the only side likely to score and in the 50th, winger Lachlan Wales’ cross was expertly volleyed in by fellow winger Connor Pain, who was a nuisance for the visitors the entire evening.

Christian Theoharous was subbed in for his first appearance with Western in the dying minutes of the game.

Newcastle Jets – Wellington Phoenix 4-0
The Jets finally have earned all three points on Friday evening, led by a stellar performance from Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze which included a brace and an assist.

Newcastle’s attack flowed effortlessly with Mikeltadze’s double (32’, 52’), and debut A-League goals for Left Back Dylan Murnane (69’) and Brazilian playmaker Daniel Penha (80’).

The Novocastrians will have been encouraged not only by the team play leading to the goals but by keeping their first clean sheet this season as well.

Coach Arthur Papas heaped praise on his players, believing they are capable of even more if they continue to keep disciplined.

“I think tonight was more of a complete performance from start to finish, which we haven’t been able to put together up until this point,” said Mr Papas post-match.

“I want them to enjoy that performance, understand there is no ceiling in terms of what they can do and come in tomorrow and work hard to prepare for the next game which is going to be just as difficult.”