An avalanche of goals but still some clean sheets to end the season: The A-League players who were the difference in Round 26
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
In the game against the Brisbane Roar, Franz Straka found the formula that will see North Queensland Fury get off the bottom of the A-League ladder.
With three games in hand, the Fury can gain a few extra points along the way, because many of the big guns have played up to 17 games with the Fury only playing 14.
Fury is not even halfway through their season yet (16 games is halfway) and people are still writing them off, with 17 games in the season to go.
Straka wrote in the Townsville Bulletin: “Against the Brisbane Roar I think we may have found that blend and with it a formula that brings much success to the Fury. Nothing annoys me more than bland, defensive and unattractive tactics.
“It’s not fun for the players, me or the fans. In my eyes, what we did against Brisbane very much steadied the ship and was a big step in the right direction. And with the players we have up front in David Williams, Isaka Cernak, Dyron Daal and Adam Casey we have exactly that.”
Fury need to win their home games. The crowd seems to have more effect on the Fury; whenever the fans start chanting “Stand Up, If You Like Fury” or are yelling at the refs, Fury seem troubled and distracted instead of playing the whistle.
Perth are on a troubled run as well, placed ninth and just out of reach with four points, although a win this weekend will put Fury above Sydney.
There will be goals galore in the “derby of the ex-coach and marquee”. I don’t know why but the Fury have many derbys and rivals. I think it’s a great part of this season’s character; it makes this season exciting for all, another great point for the FFA to look at and discuss whether or not they just want a good season or an exciting season for the fans.
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Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.