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Gold Coast back on top of A-League

MELBOURNE - Gold Coast United reclaimed top spot on the Australian A-League standings with a slick 1-0 win over previous frontrunners Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.

United, backing up from their 2-0 midweek win over Newcastle, became the first team to breach Sydney’s defence in six games.

In a match of few clear-cut chances, Gold Coast striker Joel Porter’s goal in the 19^th minute proved the difference.

The win edged Gold Coast one point ahead of Sydney with four regular season games remaining and two points ahead of Melbourne, who still have a game in hand on the pair.

Melbourne Victory thumped Perth Glory 6-2 at home on Saturday, with Robbie Kruse snaring a first-half hat-trick.

Socceroo striker Archie Thompson opened the scoring inside the opening five minutes and the Victory added two more second-half goals through a penalty from skipper Kevin Muscat and Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez.

Melbourne’s goal-fest was only their second six-goal haul in A-League history.

Newcastle Jets scored twice in a five-minute spell in the second half to boost their title credentials while denting Brisbane Roar’s finals aspirations in a 2-0 win in Brisbane on Saturday.

Jets’ captain Matt Thompson broke the deadlock in the 50^th minute and former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges converted a penalty as Newcastle held on to fourth spot.

Ivory Coast striker Eugene Dadi scored his third goal for fifth-placed Wellington Phoenix since switching from Perth Glory in a 3-0 home win over North Queensland Fury.

Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners played out a 1-1 draw to keep Adelaide rooted at the bottom of the table.