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Power too strong for Spirit

By Ted Simmons 30/11/2003 06:22:32 AM Comments (0)

Parramatta Power striker Ante Milicic swept clear to the top of the National Soccer League scorers' list when his double helped sink Northern Spirit 3-0 at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night.

Milicic took his tally to 10 with goals in each half, three ahead of nearest rival Damien Mori, as Parramatta returned to the form which had made them the league's joint pre-season favourite with Perth.

Parramatta, who joined Perth at the top of the table were too quick against the slower moving Spirit who suffered their fifth defeat in ten games.

"We were outstanding in the air as was our engine room led by Simon Colosimo," Parramatta coach Nick Theodorakopoulos said.

"Milicic has worked very well, particularly under his conditioning coach and this has extended his career."

It was a desolate first half for Spirit. They failed to get a real shot at the Parramatta goal and wasted a penalty which would have levelled the score.

Parramatta's intention to attack and make up for recent losses was evident with six offsides in attacking positions in the first 15 minutes.

Milicic forced Spirit keeper Paul Henderson into a diving fingertip save in the 11th minutes and Lucas Pantelis was wide a few minutes later.

Spirit had trouble marshalling its defence and the opening goal by Milicic in the 19th minute was not surprising.

Ahmad Elrich darted forward and cleverly back-heeled the ball to Milicic who wrong footed two defenders and angled his shot into the corner of the net.

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