3 minute read
Leaders Sydney FC have been dealt a frustrating period of inactivity after their A-League clash with Western Sydney Wanderers was postponed.
It has taken wet weather to stymie Sydney FC's charge towards the A-League's Premier's Plate, allowing their nearest rivals to reduce their lead to 10 points.
The big wet on the east coast forced Saturday's derby against Western Sydney Wanderers at Jubilee Stadium to be postponed, meaning the intense schedule facing Steve Corica's men will ramp up another notch.
As well as Asian Champions League commitments, a date must be found for the Wanderers clash, fully testing the fitness and depth at the Sky Blues by season's end.
More frustratingly, they have a bye next weekend, giving them a long period of inactivity before the fixtures start flooding in.
There's good signs from the two teams with any realistic chance of roping them in before the finals.
Second-placed Melbourne City saw off cross-town rivals Victory 2-1 in an entertaining derby, sealed with Florin Berenguer delivering arguably the assist of the season to set up Jamie Maclaren's winner via an audacious backheel.
It was a day to savour for stylish Frenchman Berenguer, who earlier scored his first goal for City in 29 appearances in all competitions.
Victory continue to languish in ninth place although they're within just five points of a fascinating mid-table logjam - where three points separates the teams ranked fourth to seventh.
Adelaide United and Brisbane are right in that mixer after the Roar secured a pivotal 2-1 home win over the Reds, coming from behind through goals to young forward Mirza Muratovic and Tom Aldred.
Brisbane's third win in four games lifts them to sixth, a point clear of Western United FC, who sat out a bye.
Easing clear of the scramble for playoff spots are third-placed Perth, who overcame the absence of Diego Castro and Chris Ikonomidis to beat Wellington 4-2 and stretch their unbeaten streak to nine games.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay was ropeable at a second yellow card shown to defender Tim Payne which effectively sealed the contest midway through the second half.
The visitors still created two goals for Gary Hooper but are under pressure to hold onto fourth place during a taxing run of fixtures.
Sunday's cellar dweller clash between Newcastle and Central Coast was cleared to start at late notice once conditions were assessed.
It was a decision to be applauded as a seven-goal thriller ensued, with the last-placed Jets bagging their first win in 10 games, the 4-3 result spurred by a double to Dimi Petratos.
