Last-minute Petrovski goal sinks Phoenix

21 October 2007 13:51

Australia and Central Coast Mariners´ striker Sasho Petrovski, seen here in Sydney in 2006, scored in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix and open a three-point lead at the top of the Australian A-League table.

SYDNEY (AFP) - Central Coast Mariners' striker Sasho Petrovski scored in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix Sunday and open a three-point lead at the top of the Australian A-League table.

The former Sydney FC striker had earlier missed a penalty but redeemed himself when he capitalised on a terrible defensive blunder from Phoenix defender Jeremy Christie to steal all three points from a brave Wellington side.

The match had looked to be heading for a draw following first half goals to the Mariners' Dean Heffernan and star Phoenix recruit Ahmad Elrich before Petrovkski's late winner.

Central Coast moved to 17 points on the ladder, three clear of Adelaide, Newcastle and Melbourne.

Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez grabbed his first A-League goal with a fine 25th minute effort as the Melbourne Victory extended Perth Glory's miserable run to nine games without a win.

In a first half dominated by the Victory, Rodrigo Vargas added a second in the 33rd minute before Jamie Harnwell gave the visiting Glory fans hope just before the break.

But despite dominating for much of the second period, the Glory couldn't break down the Victory defence and remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just five points from nine matches.

Adelaide broke their hoodoo in Sydney when they beat the home side with a lone strike to Lucas Pantelis.

With new signing ex-Leeds forward Michael Bridges looking on, injury depleted Sydney matched the visiting Adelaide everywhere but the scoreboard.

It was Adelaide's first ever A-League win in six trips to Sydney, with the home side now losing four of their last six home games.

Newcastle and the Queensland Roar turned on the entertainment in a tense 1-1 draw in Newcastle.

The Roar opened the scoring after just 37 seconds when 19-year-old Robbie Kruse got his second goal in three games, before Joel Griffiths equalised with a 47th minute penalty.

Socceroo Craig Moore had the chance to seal the game for Queensland when Kruse was brought down in the box, but the man who converted a penalty in the World Cup against Croatia, fluffed his chance against Newcastle and saw his shot saved by Australian teammate Ante Covic.