This week in A-league pre-season

With all the action in South Africa, it's easy to forget that it has also been a busy week for A-league teams, who are now back to full training and are taking part in a number of pre-season friendlies all across the country.



Tuesday night saw Perth Glory dismantle Rockingham City 8-0, while Sydney FC had a harder night against Manly United, winning 2-1. Tonight, Central Coast Mariners line up against NSW State League side the Central Coast Lightning, with assistant coach Phil Moss summing up the seriousness of this pre-season friendly:

"We don't want to give the Lightning bragging rights on the Coast, because we've got everything to lose and they've got nothing to lose in games like this. We're aware of that, we're not taking the game lightly by any stretch, and just the enthusiasm the players have got for playing a proper game will see us take the right attitude onto the field".

Melbourne Heart tonight debut their side with a clash against local club Wimmera South Coast Eagles. A number of the team's big signings will all be appearing in the Heart red and white colours, including Clint Bolton, Simon Colosimo, Gerald Sibon and Rutger Worm.

The Tuesday night matches also featured debuts, with Nicky Carle and Scott Jamison coming on for Sydney FC in the 62nd and 65th minutes, while Perth's newest boy in purple, Robbie Fowler scoring a goal against Rockingham.


Elsewhere, Gold Coast United produced a 1-0 win over New Caledonia in the second leg of their two match friendly, overcoming their 3-2 defeat in the week before. United have also confirmed the signing of Englishman John Curtis, a specialist on the right side of defense. Adelaide have announced they are officially back in training, and have released Mark Rudan, Alemao and, perhaps most notably, Christiano.

For all this week's news, why not check out The Football Sack's podcast.