A-League Round 1 Wrap Up

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Melbourne Victory 0 v. 2 Central Coast Mariners

Central Coast Mariners shocked the A-League champions Melbourne Victory in a scrappy 2-0 win which shocked everyone and ripped up the form books. Prior to this game Central Coast Mariners hadn't won a match since the departure of now Turkish-based Mile Jedinak.

Matt Simon got the first goal early in the first half and then Michael McGlinchey deflected shot went in not much later.

My Man of the Match: Despite being substituted I though Matt Simon did pretty well thus getting my man of the match.

Adelaide United 1 v. 0 Perth Glory

Adelaide caused what is sure to be a surprise to some people in beating the big spending Perth Glory. All of Perth's signing were on display and none looked to threatening.

Travis Dodd scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot which could arguably not have been a penalty. Anyway while Adelaide played well Perth did not with them not really clicking and never really getting a good chance on goal.

My Man of the Match: Well Travis Dodd looked very lively throughout the match but defender Roberth Cornthwaite gets my man of the match for having a great game defensively.

North Queensland Fury 2 v. 3 Sydney FC

Sydney FC have had one of the best pre-seasons and coming up against North Queensland they were expected to totally wipe their opposition out, which is how it started out.

John Aloisi opened the scoring with a neatly placed shot at the far post. Then Kofi Danning scored a splendid and powerful shot after getting away from five defenders. Rostyn Griffiths then sent the North Queensland crowd into raptures with a great header.

Further on in the second half North Queensland won a penalty through Jason Spagnuolo which was easily slotted in by marquee man Robbie Fowler. Then towards full time John Aloisi struck again, this time from the penalty spot to give Sydney a great win away from home.

My Man of the Match: To many John Aloisi was the best player but to me Kofi Danning was definitely the best player on the pitch, his pace and strength pretty much killed the North Queensland defence and won Sydney the match, he is a real player for the future.

Brisbane Roar 1 v. 3 Gold Coast United

As much as it pains for me to say it, Gold Coast won the first ever Queensland derby. With both teams looking strong on paper it was expected to be a great match with plenty of goals and that is what happened. 

Gold Coast opened the scoring when Shane Smeltz fired in a great goal to the jeering of the Brisbane crowd. After half time former PSV midfielder and star signing Jason Culina cooly slotted in a great shot which all started with Shane Smeltz getting away from his man.

Towards the end of the game Brisbane were handed a lifeline when they won a penalty which was placed nicely into the back of the net by Sergio van Dijk, in injury time though Robson scored a marvelous self effort to wrap up the game. Although Gold Coast won the score definately did not match the game with Brisbane dominating from pretty much the whistle.

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