Simon Wilderspin brings us all the latest action from the A-League, which saw Melbourne Victory leapfrog Adelaide United and Perth Glory held by Brisbane.
BRISBANE 1-1 PERTH GLORY
Brazilian Henrique gave new Brisbane Roar coach Frans Thijssen a point in the Dutchman’s first match in charge with an equaliser against Perth Glory four minutes from time.
A cracking volley from Dino Djulbic after only six minutes gave league leaders Perth the lead in a dour first half.
Despite Brisbane’s possession, they created little before Henrique latched on to a pass from Corey Brown before neatly finishing past Glory keeper Danny Vukovic.
MELBOURNE VICTORY 3-2 ADELAIDE UNITED
Melbourne Victory leapfrogged their visitors in a frenetic and ill-tempered match at AAMI Park on Friday night.
All the goals came in the first half as somehow both teams managed to keep all their players on the pitch, despite six players going into the referee’s notebook.
The hosts took the a deserved lead after just seven minutes when Nigel Boogaard headed past his own keeper from Guilherme Finkler’s free-kick.
Awer Mabil smashed the visitors level after 14 minutes before falling behind moments later through their second own goal of the game.
This time Sergio Cirio was the unlucky culprit when Boogaard’s attempted clearance struck Cirio before the ball looped over the stranded Eugene Galekovic.
Leight Broxham headed home Fahid Ben Khalfallah cross just past the half hour mark before Mercelo Carrusca’s penalty guaranteed an entertaining second half.
Despite the five goal thriller, the most significant part of the evening occurred before a ball had even been kicked, with a moving minute’s silence taking place ahead of kick-off in memory of Hughes, who tragically passed away this week after being struck by a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground. A minute’s applause followed in the 63rd minute.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 1-1 SYDNEY FC
The Sydney derby ended all square as the sky blues drew their third game in four, whereas the Asian Champions are still looking for their first win of the season.
In an enthralling – and at times heated – clash, the Wanderers flew out of the blocks and took a deserved lead through Tomi Juric but just like their first derby of the season couldn’t hold on.
A superb individual effort from Bernie Ibini ensured the points were shared, even though the visitors almost came close to winning it in stoppage through Marc Janko.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX 5-1 MELBOURNE CITY
Melbourne City’s recent run of good form came to an abrupt end as they were hammered by hosts Wellington Phoenix.
Nathan Burns’ history-making hat-trick fired him to the top of the A-League Golden Boot standings and gave the home side a convincing three points.
Burns grabbed his first just after the half hour mark when Burns ran clear and rounded Andrew Redmayne before slotting home.
Five minutes before the break Roly Bonevacia doubled his sides lead when scoring from a tight angle before Burns grabbed his second of the game moments after the re-start.
Roy Krishna put the game beyond doubt when he scored a delightful goal two minutes later, cutting inside and rifling the ball home into the top corner.
A David Williams penalty gave City a crumb of comfort before Burns completed his hat-trick from the spot and in doing so, became the first player in nearly eight seasons to score a hat-trick for the Phoenix.
NEWCASTLE JETS 1-1 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
The Jets remain second from bottom after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Hunter Stadium.
The Jets brought the game into life minutes into the second half when Edson Montano fired the home side in front.
But the Jets could only hold their lead for seven minutes as Richard Vernes scored his first Mariners goal when he diverted fullback Michael Neill’s cross into the back of the net.