Victory go clear on top of A-League ladder

Melbourne Victory powered clear at the top of the A-League after a weekend performance their normally understated coach Ernie Merrick rated close to a season highlight.

The Victory now hold a two-point advantage atop the ladder after torching sub-standard Perth Glory 4-0 at Telstra Dome on Saturday night, having lost only one match in seven this season.

While it’s arguable witches hats at Victory training probably boast more mobility than the lacklustre Glory did on Saturday night, the Victory impressed with their slick interpassing and a full 90-minute effort despite being without five first-choice players.

Two goals to Danny Allsopp and one each to midfielder Grant Brebner and defender Rodrigo Vargas ensured the Victory’s win — pushing them two points clear of Sydney FC who drew 1-1 with Queensland Roar on Saturday night.

“I thought the runs and interpassing behind the defence was first-class. There’s not much you can improve upon in that performance,” Merrick said.

“If we play like that every week, that would be enough. That game’s pretty hard to beat.”

But pressure is now mounting on the Glory, who have now won just once in seven matches as rumours swirl of player disquiet with coach David Mitchell.

Glory bosses are expected to hold a crisis meeting with Mitchell and the players on Monday. Owner Tony Sage described Saturday night’s performance as “a debacle” for the once-proud club.

Sydney FC midfielder Stuart Musialik pinched a draw at the death against Queensland, netting deep in injury time after his side had trailed to Roar midfielder Charlie Miller’s fifth goal of the season.

Roar coach Frank Farina was disappointed his side missed a golden opportunity to push into the top four, believing they outplayed their hosts.

“I think Kossie (Sydney coach John Kosmina) should go buy a lotto ticket tonight. They got out of jail with 30 seconds to go,” Farina said.

But the greatest escape of all came from Central Coast Mariners, who fought back from three goals down on Friday night to draw 3-3 with Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.

First-half goals to captain Travis Dodd and defender Robert Cornthwaite and a 50th minute strike from Brazilian Cristiano had Adelaide cruising towards victory.

But after Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna made some changes and Adelaide lost their shape, Mile Jedinak hit a double including a penalty, and Matt Simon struck an 84th-minute equaliser.

Devastated Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar now must get his players to regroup for their Asian Champions League semi-final first leg against Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor on Wednesday night.

“We certainly threw two points away tonight, Vidmar said.

It’s extremely disappointing. We just fell apart in the last 30 minutes.”

Newcastle and Wellington complete round seven tomorrow when they clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

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