A-League week 17
27th January Gold Coast United v Central Coast Mariners
28th January Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
29th January Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Heart
29th January Adelaide United v Perth Glory
1st February Melbourne Victory v Gold Coast United
Central Coast Mariners set a new club record of 15 matches unbeaten and established a commanding 11-point lead in the ladder with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Adelaide United at Bluetongue Stadium last Saturday. Adelaide pushed the leaders all the way but eventually succumbed to two late goals from Kwasnik and Rose. Before the Mariners late winner, Adelaide had come agonisingly close to restoring their lead when Van Dijk had an effort parried onto a post by Ryan, the ball travelling the length of the goal line and back into the keepers’ grateful hands. The Mariners now go to the bottom club Gold Coast in a bid to extend their record run to 16.
Brisbane Roar maintained second spot with a 1-1 draw at Melbourne Heart. Striker Besart Berisha salvaged a point for Brisbane in the 69th minute at AAMI Park. The controversial Berisha, given a one-match ban for his involvement in a post-game melee against Sydney last week, was able to take part in the game due to his right of appeal. He missed a first half penalty but was able to make amends with his vital leveller. Brisbane now host Newcastle Jets while Heart go to Wellington Phoenix who are just one point ahead of them in third place after their 1-0 win against the Jets last weekend.
Luxbet make Central Coast Mariners strong favourites to continue their winning ways at $1.88 to beat Gold Coast United ($4.00) with the draw paying $3.45. Brisbane Roar are short at $1.45 to defeat Newcastle Jets ($7.25) with the draw offered at $4.15.
