A-LEAGUE WRAP – Week 15: Mariners held as Brisbane close in at the top

Reigning champions Brisbane Roar managed to cut Central Coast Mariners’ lead at the top of the A-League table to six points on the weekend.

After two draws on the trot, the Roar came from behind to score two very late goals in a last-gasp 2-1 win over Sydney FC at home with Sayed Adnan and Besart Berisha netting in injury time to see of Mark Bridge’s 40th minute opener.

The Mariners fell behind in the 17th minute of their home meeting with Newcastle Jets when Labinot Haliti scored but leveled through Patrick Zwaanswijk just prior to the hour-mark to extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

Elsewhere in the A-League, Sergio van Dijk canceled out Archie Thompson’s early opener as Adelaide United held fierce rivals Melbourne Victory to a 1-1 draw whilst Perth Glory inflicted a second defeat in three matches on Melbourne Heart with Shane Smeltz and Steve McGarry scoring either side of Kristian Sarkies’ 66th minute goal.

And finally, Tim Brown scored late as Wellington Phoenix beat rock-bottom Gold Coast United 1-0 to move up to fourth on the table.

2011/12 A-League season scores – Week 15

Melbourne Victory: 1 (Archie Thompson 6’)
Adelaide United: 1 (Sergio van Dijk 53’)
AAMI Park, Melbourne – 20,959

Central Coast Mariners: 1 (Patrick Zwaanswijk 59’)
Newcastle Jets: 1 (Labinot Haliti 17’)
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford – 10,904

Brisbane Roar: 2 (Sayed Adnan 90+5’, Besart Berisha 90+6’)
Sydney FC: 1 (Mark Bridge 40’)
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – 14,545

Melbourne Heart: 1 (Kristian Sarkies 66’)
Perth Glory: 2 (Shane Smeltz 16’, Steve McGarry 68’)
AAMI Park, Melbourne – 7,233

Gold Coast United: 0
Wellington Phoenix: 1 (Tim Brown 88’)
Skilled Park, Robina – 2,135

 
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