A-League Analysis: Brisbane Roar leave it late & Perth Glory move into top six

Results
Melbourne Victory 1-1 Adelaide United
Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Newcastle Jets
Brisbane Roar 2-1 Sydney FC
Melbourne Heart 1-2 Perth Glory
Gold Coast United 0-1 Wellington Phoenix

Don't Miss

• A-League Best XI of the season so far
• History of British coaches in the A-League

• Foreign coaches moving out in A-League

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QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND

"Once again, this group of players, I know they’ll go right to the final whistle, they won’t throw the towel in” - Ange Postecoglou on Brisbane's stunning victory vs Sydney FC

Meanwhile in Melbourne it was the battle of the two new A-League coaches as Jim Magilton faced off against John Kosmina. Melbourne Victory opened the scoring early but Adelaide were able to strike back ensuring that the game ended 1-1. The draw continues John Kosmina’s successful return to coaching in the A-League – undefeated in five matches.

Central Coast Mariners were finally held to a draw as they shared the spoils with Newcastle Jets in the F3 derby. The Mariners went behind in the first half but restored parity after the break. Despite numerous chances late on, neither side were able to capitalise and both took one point from the match. The Mariners still sit top of the table, but relinquished two points to nearest rivals Brisbane.

With less than two minutes left on the clock Sayed Mohamed Adnan had it all to do to try to salvage a point for Brisbane against Sydney FC. However, the Bahrain international stepped up and scored one of the goals of the season. His strike gave Brisbane the platform they needed to go on and take all three points from the match.

Yet another towering performance from Patrick Zwaanswijk further affirmed his position in the “A-League team of the half-season”. Zwaanswijk scored the equaliser for the Mariners rescuing a point and restricted the flowing Newcastle attack to just one goal. Solid performance all round from the Dutchman.

Shane Smeltz terrorised the usually solid Melbourne Heart defence all afternoon in their clash at AAMI Park, ensuring that Perth took all three points away from home. The 30-year-old scored once in the narrow 2-1 victory and almost found the back of the net on five other separate occasions. Smeltz’s sixth goal of the season.

Mitch Nichols continued his brilliant season in style dominating the Sydney FC midfield in his side’s last gasp victory. Brisbane henjoyed 71 per cent of possession thanks largely to Nichols, who conducted play in the middle of the park. The youngster also bagged the last-minute assist which allowed Berisha to score the winner. The Australian has certainly pushed his claim for a call up to the International squad.

Sydney FC, up until the 94th minute of their clash with Brisbane Roar, had been disciplined in their approach. Despite only holding 29 per cent possession the Sky Blues were able to counter most of what was thrown at them by the home side. However, a lapse in concentration saw Brisbane score twice late on, ensuring that Sydney went another game without a win, much to the detriment of their already frustrated fans.