Western United holds onto first but City draws close

Western United navigated one of their trickier assignments this season to remain league leaders though their job is not getting any easier, with Melbourne City coming to within a point of them.

The Green and Black club had to settle for a draw against an improving Sydney FC side in the A-League’s 14th round, while the current champions, Melbourne City, went comfortably past the Wanderers to sit one point behind their Victorian rivals.

Macarthur’s brilliant start to the season has been truly nullified as they went yet another game without a win, this time losing to Brisbane.

A pair of late goals saw Adelaide and Perth each rescue a point against Wellington and Central Coast respectively.

Brisbane Roar-Macarthur FC 3-1

The Roar secured a much-needed win, extending Macarthur’s winless streak to five in the process.

The Queenslanders struck quickly with an excellent team goal which was completed by forward Nikola Mileusnic (2’) and doubled their lead on the hour mark through a great effort by left back Corey Brown from the edge of the box.

The Bulls got one back via defender Adrian Mariappa’s header (74’) before a calamity of errors in their own box led to winger Henry Hore’s goal (78’), the end to a horrid night for Macarthur.

READ MORE: Log-leaders Western United face a revitalised Sydney FC

Central Coast-Perth Glory 1-1

Perth showed plenty of spirit, finding a very late equaliser to rescue a result against Central Coast in their return game after another set of COVID-related postponements.

The Mariners found the match’s first goal through a calmly-hit shot by striker Jason Cummings.

Glory midfielder Daniel Stynes stepped up in the dying minutes to level the score and ensure the contest ended a stalemate.

Sydney FC-Western United 1-1

The Green and Black outfit kept their narrow lead at the top in place on Saturday evening though they will be dismayed by a late controversial penalty decision which did not go their way.

The league leaders broke the deadlock 55 minutes in after a powerfully driven shot from range by midfielder Steven Lustica.

The Sky Blues found their much-needed equaliser thanks to a composed finish by former Western and Sydney Olympic midfielder Max Burgess (64’).

There was late drama after VAR overturned an originally-judged handball in the box by Sydney veteran Rhyan Grant (who was playing his 250th game for the club).

Sydney FC manager Steve Corica applauded the reversal of the penalty decision and was positive about the drawn result.

“I was a bit worried but they made the right decision (to overturn the penalty) …I’d have liked to have picked up the three points, it’s important to win the home games, but a draw is probably fair, I think,” said Mr Corica post-match.

Melbourne Victory-Newcastle Jets 1-2

Newcastle pounced on a vulnerable Victory side to come from behind and hand their opponents their second loss in as many games.

The FFA Cup champions went ahead through an effort by midfielder Jake Brimmer following a save by keeper Jack Duncan (45+2’).

The Melburnians were given a huge hindrance early into the second half after captain Josh Brillante was sent off for a second yellow card (48’).

The Jets took advantage, going level through forward Valentino Yuel (57’) via a side-footed lob over goalkeeper Ivan Kelava, before striker Beka Mikeltadze earned the winner from the penalty spot (70’).

The Jets started Kosta Grozos and substituted on Greek winger Savvas Siatravanis while Victory brought Chris Ikonomidis off the bench.

Jets coach Arthur Papas praised the determination of his players to earn an away success against a team that is dominant at home.

“It hasn’t been easy returning since the long lay-off and knowing that, coming here (Victory’s home ground), it’s always difficult…just really proud of the playing group for the performance and the grit they needed to show at times which they did show today,” Mr Papas told post-match.

Wellington Phoenix-Adelaide United 1-1

A late debut goal from 17-year-old forward Bernardo Oliveira helped the Reds steal a point against the Phoenix.

The New Zealanders scored fairly early after winger Walter Sandoval converted from a one-on-one with goalkeeper Joe Gauci (20’).

With minutes left in the game, Bernardo Oliveira stepped up at the back post to guide his header into the net, earning his first professional goal.

Western Sydney-Melbourne City 1-3

The reigning premiers handled the Wanderers team with ease on Friday night to return to the top two.

City went into the break with a two-goal lead thanks to a headed brace by Socceroo winger Mathew Leckie (36’, 43’) before striker Jamie Maclaren missed the target from his spot kick (61’).

The visitors scored their third of the night after a good curling effort from just inside of the box by playmaker Florin Berenguer.

Western Sydney forward Dimitri Petratos scored a consolation goal after his penalty went in with the aid of the left post (80’).

In addition to Petratos, the Red and Black club started James Troisi and subbed on Terry Antonis.