Week 16 of A-League action saw winning results in all but one of the five matches as the final six begins to really take shape.
Friday night saw Wellington Phoenix defeat Newcastle Jets 1-0 away to move to third on the table with a third win in their past four. Manny Muscat's first-ever A-League goal after more than 80 appearances did the damage for the 'Nix as Newcastle remained ninth having recorded just one victory in their last eight outings.
The first Saturday match saw Central Coast Mariners extend their lead at the top of the table to 11 points with a 3-2 home win over Adelaide United who stayed eighth.
Daniel McBreen opened the scoring for the Mariners before Sergio van Dijk and Bruce Djite netted in quick succession for the Reds prior to the 20-minute mark. However, Graham Arnold's Central Coast struck twice through Adam Kawsnik and Josh Rose in the final 15 minutes to extend their unbeaten run to 15 which includes 12 wins.
Also on Saturday, Melbourne Heart dropped to fourth after they drew 1-1 with reigning champions Brisbane Roar. Jonathan Germano put the Heart ahead on the half-hour mark before Besart Berisha, who had earlier missed a penalty, leveled with 20 minutes remaining to keep the Roar in second place.
On Sunday, Sydney FC ended a six-match winless streak to come from behind to beat Gold Coast United 2-1 at home. Ben Halloran had the visitors in front after 55 minutes but Karol Kisel and Bruno Cazarine scored inside the final 20 minutes to secure maximum points for the Sky Blues.
And finally, Perth Glory inflicted more pain on Melbourne Victory with a 4-1 result at nib Stadium. Two goals from Shane Smeltz and a third from Mile Sterjovski (the latter two being penalties) had the Glory three ahead before Harry Kewell converted his own from the spot but Andrezinho's late finish after Danny Allsopp was sent off wrapped it up for Perth.
2011/12 A-League season scores - Week 16
Newcastle Jets: 0 Wellington Phoenix: 1 (Manny Muscat 58') Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle - 11,694
Central Coast Mariners: 3 (Daniel McBreen 14', Adam Kwasnik 75', Josh Rose 78') Adelaide United: 2 (Sergio van Dijk 16', Bruce Djite 18') Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford - 7,478
Melbourne Heart: 1 (Jonathan Germano 31') Brisbane Roar: 1 (Besart Berisha 69') AAMI Park, Melbourne - 7,118
Sydney FC: 2 (Karol Kisel 71', Bruno Cazarine 89') Gold Coast United: 1 (Ben Halloran 55') Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 8,541
Perth Glory: 4 (Shane Smeltz 13'/(p) 34', Mile Sterjovski (p) 41', Andrezinho 88') Melbourne Victory: 1 (Harry Kewell (p) 68') nib Stadium, Perth - 12,000
