.gif "Sack Attack: An A-League Webcomic")
Sutherland Sharks 2 - Bonnyrigg White Eagles 4
Robbie Stanton's men have moved from the team to watch to the side to get easy points against. A 1-1 draw with Rockdale in the dying moments last weekend proved how vulnerable the previously 'invincible' side really are.
The atmosphere surrounding Bonnyrigg's side has changed drastically in recent weeks, no longer is the side winless or under the same amount of pressure as Brian Brown's team was faced with. With three wins and four draws, Bonnyrigg are only going to get better as the season goes on.
Early into this fixture, there was only one Sutherland player who could score a volley from a Mike Katz' cross, the magnificent Matthew Bailey. With just 10 minutes on the clock and Sutherland maintaining 70% possession, the match looked like it would be a strong performance for the Sharks. The bright start however was cut short when former Melbourne Victory and current Bonnyrigg player, Nathan Elasi equalised just before half time.
The second half saw goals from Jared Lum, Brad Boardman and Blake Powell for Bonnyrigg, however there was a consolation goal with 15 minutes left on the clock as Lachlan Cahill pulled off a sublime chip over Bonnyrigg's 'keeper.
Match Highlights courtesy of Football NSW
Rockdale City Suns 0 - Sydney Olympic 2
Last week Lee Sterrey's side almost pulled off the impossible leading 1-0 over Sutherland with only moments to go on the clock, that was until a lapse in concentration meant the two sides would have to share the points. Having only scored seven goals so far this campaign, the club's shyness in front of goals has to end soon if they want to stay in the Premier League.
OL-YM-PIC. That is the chant screamed out by the strong followers of the former NSL side. With the best goals scored and the best defence in the league, the prediction of Olympic being the best state league in the country side seems (almost) true.
The strong crowd at the Ilinden Sports Centre witnessed two first half goals by Olympic, cementing their place at the top of the table whilst Rockdale stay in the bottom half of the ladder. Star player, Phil Makrys calmly slotted home a penalty on the 30 minute mark after Richard Luksic was fouled inside the box and David Gullo continued to impress blasting the ball into the top corner of the goal just before the break.
South Coast Wolves 1 - Blacktown City 2
South Coast Wolves' season has moved from moments of brilliance to moments of horror between weeks. A 2-2 draw with an in form Manly in Round 9 gave Trevor Morgan's side the boost they needed when heading into this fixture against the reigning champions.
Blacktown City have had a difficult week following the tragic passing of former Perth Glory and first choice defender, Tyler Simpson. Dedicating this fixture for their team mate, Blacktown approached this match wanting nothing less than the three points on offer.
The Wolves took the early lead through some lovely combination play between John Martinoski and Mark Picciolini, a simple tap-in was enough to put the home side in front. This lead did not last long as just on the half time whistle, Travis Major popped up and get an equaliser. Mitchell Duke has been in top form this season and scoring the winner for Mark Crittenden's side proved why A-League clubs will be lining up for his name next season.
A.P.I.A. Leichhardt Tigers 2 - Sydney United 2
It took 17 minutes to see the first goal in this fixture, APIA's Samuel Messam receiving a beautiful pass from Wandi Jajaw before rounding the 'keeper and guiding the ball home. Only moments later Messam was gifted with another opportunity, this time his shot was off target and ended up behind the goals. The score started 1-0 in favour of the home side as the two teams went into the break.
Just five minutes into the second half, Jose Bello-Amigo was involved with a collision with Sydney United striker, Ben Vidaic. The referee saw this challenge as not only a penalty, but also a straight red card to APIA's 'keeper. Luka Glavas stepped up, sending APIA's replacement 'keeper, Stefan Giglio the wrong way.
Despite some top class saves by Giglio, there was nothing he could do when Michael West headed the ball into his own net after a string of strikes on target by United's frontmen. Mark Byrnes however did find the equaliser for APIA, being provided with a lovely through ball delivered by Nikki Rizzo.
Parramatta Eagles FC 1 - Marconi Stallions 4
Bottom placed Parramatta FC slumped to yet another home defeat against a mid-table Marconi in front of a disappointing crowd of fewer than 200. Despite a bright start by Parramatta, the opening goal was scored by Marconi's Matthew Mayora after some poor defending. This was just the start of Marconi's strong performance.
A second goal just before half time sent Marconi into the dressing rooms the happier side, Matthew Mayora with his second of the match meant things were going from bad to worse for Brian Dene's side.
Parramatta started the brighter of the two sides with a number of shots on target by Matthew Osman and Kutaiba Elrich, neither shot really troubling Marconi's 'keeper John Chronopoulos. As the game progressed, Marconi only got stronger adding a third goal through substitute Matthew Gordon who with his first touch of the game blasted the ball past Parramatta 'keeper, Anthony Costa.
Angelo Petratos scored a consolation goal for Parramatta in the dying moments of the match, but not before Marconi's Giosue Sama put the final nail in Parramatta's coffin.
Manly United 2 - Bankstown City 1
Although Manly have had a slow start to the season, Scott Balderson's goal for Manly in the first minute of action proved why they can be the dark horse of the competition. Some amazing passing between Robbie Cattanach and former Sydney FC player Joey Gibbs led to a one on one opportunity for Balderson who slotted the ball past Bankstown's 'keeper Zlatko Joseski.
20 minutes into the fixture Manly doubled their lead. Balderson again proving to be a valuable piece of Manly's puzzle when he set up Graeme Forbes pushing the ball over the line from six yards out. With a 300 strong crowd crying out for a third goal, Manly pushed even further up the park.
Just after the break, Bankstown were awarded a free kick which Shannon Burgin delivered directly to the head of defender, David Gardiner. That goal was to be the start of Bankstown's many attempts on goal. Star striker, Hussein Salameh coming closest to finding an equaliser with his shot gliding past the goals in the 66th minute.
As the final whistle blew, there was a sigh of relief as Manly jump into fifth on the ladder.