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Tuesday, September 26, 2006

A-League Weekend Wrap

Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League kicked off on Thursday night with Sydney FC posting a 1-0 win over the New Zealand Knights FC thanks to a stunning strike by skipper Mark Rudan. The big defender crashed home a 58th minute winner when he lashed at a loose ball in the Knights box.

The action continued on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium where a 10 man Adelaide United outfit managed to hold out the Queensland Roar to return to the city of churches with a well earned point.

Hyundai A-League preseason cup winner Adelaide was reduced to 10 men after Chinese import Shengqing Qu had a brain explosion and head-butted Roar skipper Chad Gibson forcing him out of next weekend's clash against last season's A-League winner Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium.

More red mist at Central Coast Stadium where former Socceroos skipper Paul Okon was marched in the 75th minute before Joel Griffiths picked up his second booking in injury time to see the Newcastle Jets finish with nine men against the Gold Coast Mariners in an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Melbourne Victory FC remains unbeaten after scoring a comfortable 2-1 win over the Perth Glory FC at members Equity Stadium.

Former Glory midfielder Adrian Caceres gave Melbourne the lead when he found himself in acres of space on the right hand side of the box as he swept home a first time shot in the 55th minute.

Skipper Paul Muscat gave the visitors a two-goal cushion after he converted from the spot before Perth defender David Tarka headed home a consolation goal in the final minute.

The Victory are now four points clear of the Queensland Roar with the defending champions Sydney FC a further three points adrift in third spot.

posted by Footballer at A-League Weekend Wrap

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