Condo's Round Seven Wrap

With major finals happening in the major football codes in Australia, September was always going to be a tough period for the A-League. Week 7 kicked off with the financially troubled Newcastle Jets as they took on the high flying Perth Glory.

Former Leeds striker Michael Bridges put the Jets ahead after just 10 mins in-front of a healthy Energy Australia stadium crowd of just on 7,000. The Jets were the better team for the majority of the match with Velaphi easily the busier of the two keepers throughout. Haliti finished the game off in the 89th minute to give the Jets a much needed win at home.

The eagerly awaited rematch between Muscat and Akoto was not to be as 'Musky' was missing for the North Queensland vs Victory game at Dairy Farmers stadium due to injury. Melbourne were coming off a midweek 0-0 draw to Wellington in Melbourne but looked to start off the fresher of the two teams in blustery Townsville conditions.

Franz Straka's jacket was out again in force - always great for the spectacle of the league. Chris Grossman had a handful of chances while the Fury kept Carlos Henandez marked tightly. In what was largely a dull game with little highlights, the score remained 0-0. There was thankfully less controversy than the last time these two teams met.

Sergio Van Djik returned to his old stomping ground of Suncorp Stadium as the Reds took on Brisbane on Saturday Night. A crowd of just over 7,000 saw what was the most entertaining game of the round from a neutral's point of view.

Young gun Matthew Leckie continued his red hot form by scoring in the 27th Minute in front of new national coach Holger Osiek, who surely after this display will be picking Leckie for the upcoming Asian cup campaign. German signing Broich scored from a long range free kick in the 34th minute, a shot that had Galekovic flat footed and the Brisbane defence scratching heads.

The highlight of the match for the Brisbane supporters was Sergio Van Djik missing the easiest shot in the history of the A-League (Would love to hear your feedback if you disagree.)

The points were shared in the end which leaves Adelaide on top of the table after 7 weeks with a game clear.

Sunday's early game saw the struggling Melbourne Heart up against a Wellington Phoenix team playing their second game at AAMI Park in 5 days after their midweek 0-0 draw with the Victory. Heart were looking for their second ever win in the A-League and welcomed Josip Skoko back into the line up along with John Aloisi who made his first start. Young gun Brendan Hamill also entered the side, celebrating his 18th birthday.

International signing Rutger Worm and Gerald Sibon controlled the midfield for the Heart, who got the just reward in the 50th Minute through Aloisi. Melbourne then doubled their lead in the 66th minute through exciting Brazilian Alex Terra - after some poor ball control from Nick Ward (who would've thought it).

Aloisi had the chance to put the game beyond doubt but missed what turned out to be the second worst miss in A-League history (Would love to hear your feedback if you disagree again.)

Tim Brown then struck for the Phoenix in the 75th minute to generate an interesting last 15 minutes, but the Heart were able to hold on for their second victory of the season and put them just outside the top six.

The lowest A-League crowd saw glamor club Gold Coast United at home to Central Coast Mariners in a game that is hardly going to draw any new fans to Skilled Park in the future.

United were two games into a three game week and played like a team that looked tired. Gold Coast defender Adama Traore continued his great form and looked most likely to break the deadlock with his searching runs and long range shots, but the fact remains that he still goes down quicker than a cheap hooker during happy hour.

Patricio Perez showed glimpses of his magic we have heard about all pre season but also was unable to break the deadlock, the game petered out into another 0-0 draw.

Hero of The Week

Matthew Leckie. 'The Next Harry Kewell' is bandied around way to much. But this kid has got it all. Speed, Power, a great pass and shot. Holger Osiek was at the game on Saturday night and Leckie MUST be picked for the upcoming Asian cup campaign.

Villain of the Week

Gold Coast United. We at TFS don't want to be the ones driving the nail in the Gold Coast coffin, but surely now their time is up, the lowest crowd on Australian shores brings up memories of the Football Kings (i refuse to spell it with a Z).

The fans continue to blame owner Clive Palmer, but the fans must take some ownership for the dwindling numbers. the Team itself has quality all over the park and the most charismatic coach in the league. A franchise I believe if relocated to a football town would thrive. To borrow a phrase from a well known reality TV show that was filmed not far from Skilled Park. It's time to go... Gold Coast United.