Glory cling to A-League lead after fighting draw

SYDNEY: Perth Glory hold a point lead at the top of Australia’s A-League after a come f rom behind 1-1 draw at Adelaide United on Sunday.

Glory claimed a point following a stunning equaliser from Nebojsa Marinkovic eight minutes into the second half after Spaniard Pablo Sanchez had put the home side ahead on 11 minutes.

Melbourne Victory lie second following a controversial 3-3 away draw with Sydney FC on Saturday that left Victory coach Kevin Muscat fuming.

Muscat was angry with referee Strebre Delovski’s controversial decision to award Sydney a secondhalf penalty, which allowed the hosts back into the game.

Victory were leading 2-1 with less than 20 minutes remaining when Delovski adjudged Brazilian midfielder Gui Finkler had brought down Sydney’s Sebastian Ryall in the box despite there appearing to be minimal contact.

Muscat said the decision left him feeling totally ‘disillusioned” with the standard of refereeing in the Australian league.

Wellington Phoenix are fourth behind third-placed Adelaide after a scoreless draw at home with Melbourne City.

Defending champions Brisbane Roar jumped into the top six after defeating Central Coast Mariners 2-0, however it may have come at a cost with in-form striker Jean Carlos Solorzano suffering a hamstring injury. - AFP