Game in turmoil as Sharks fly high - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Game in turmoil as Sharks fly high

By Glenn Cullen 02/12/2002 06:21:37 AM Comments (0)

The curtain may have come down on a tumultuous week in Australian soccer but at least one performer still has enough credibility to demand an encore.

In a week when Soccer Australia chairman Ian Knop quit and three other key officials walked with him, there was at least some staying power on the field.

The Olympic Sharks comfortably accounted for the Wollongong Wolves 3-0 on Sunday, with goals to Ante Milicic, Andrew Durante and Joel Porter.

The Sharks notched their eighth win after 11 rounds, leaving them well on top of the NSL ladder on 26 points.

Parramatta could have used some of the Sharks' finishing touch at Bob Jane Stadium, the Power losing 1-0 after a goal in the 88th minute to South Melbourne striker Vaughan Coveny.

The fumbling visitors, put up for sale by the Parramatta Leagues Club during the week, took a hit when John Buonavoglia was sent off for a second diving offence in the 82nd minute.

Until then they had dominated, only South goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic keeping the home side in the match with two quality saves.

While the Power continue to flounder, Sydney United flourish and edged into the top six with a solid if unspectacular win over Marconi.

United midfielder Ante Deur made life a misery for the Stallions when he featured in both goals at Sydney United Sports Centre.

The 22-year-old, in his second season with the club, set up the move which led to the opening goal by Brendon Santalab ten minutes before halftime and then scored midway through the second session.

In Friday night action, Northern Spirit continued its recent run of improved performances with a handy 2-1 win over the Melbourne Knights at North Sydney Oval.

The home side gave the paltry crowd, which looked to be less than 800, something to cheer about with a goal in the first half to Adam Kwasnik and a second half effort to Jonathan Richter.

In Newcastle, the Brisbane Strikers stole an upset point with a gutsy 3-3 effort against United.

The last-placed Strikers had the chance of claiming three points when Anthony Roche scored his second goal 11 minutes from time to make it 3-2.

But Joel Griffiths ensured Newcastle claimed a point with an 81st minute equaliser.

The Football Kingz had the bye.

Not even a halftime wedding was enough to stop Perth Glory keeping Olympic within sight after a 1-0 win over Adelaide City at Perth Oval.

Young striker Nick Mrdja's 83rd minute goal keeps the Glory in second place on 21 points, just five behind the premiers with a match in hand.

Neither team was inspiring in the first half, with the scores locked at 0-0 as the visitors kept a tight check on the Glory attack.

The bizarre halftime wedding seemed to kickstart the Glory into action, with the home team's offence clicking into gear.

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