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Here in the far away world of Australian football we just love to shoot ourselves in the foot. This week we took a bazooka, pointed it downwards and blasted our whole damn leg off when firstly the FFA booted Gold Coast out of the Hyundai A-League and then Clive Palmer assembled football's version of the NWO by setting up the FA. Confusing isn't it?
Adelaide 0 def by Perth 2
The Reds are representing Australia in the Asian Champions League but they'll need all the support they can get after succumbing quite easily to Perth Glory on Thursday night. Billy Mehmet scored early and Jacob Burns got his name on the referees report for the right reason as the Glory were too good for a slow and careless Reds. Barbiero was sent off late for a despicable act when he lifted elbow to jaw and should get a minimum three games. The question is whether Kosmina will keep his job post season. It's currently looking unlikely.
Brisbane 1 drew Heart 1
Clint Bolton was the hero as he saved an injury time penalty from Mohamed Adnan to secure a much needed point in Brisbane and help the Mariners stay a-top of the A-League table. Mitch Nichols gave the Roar an early lead only to leave the field with an injury not long after. Curtis Good created a sub-editors dream when he scored a 'Good' goal just after half time. The single point keeps Heart in the final six and they look likely to stay there.
Melbourne 1 def by Newcastle 3
In the most disorganised seasons of disorganisation this was probably Victory's lowest ebb. Jim Magilton faced his seventh straight 'must-win' game but could do little as the Victory back four put in a display that hasn't be seen since the Football Kingz days. Matthew Kemp has certainly played his last game for Melbourne after he was substituted before half time and let the Northern Irishman Magilton know about it. Victory's shining beacon of hope Carlos Hernandez was sent off for a second yellow. Jacob Pepper scored his first two goals in the A-League and its happy days for the Jets as they now become a genuine threat at the business end of the season.
Central Coast 1 drew Sydney 1
They just needed that trumpeter from the Barmy Army who plays the theme from the great escape over and over and over again. Troy Hearfield pinched a goal in the 90th minute after Sydney collapsed worse than an England batting lineup. Graham Arnold was at his refreshingly honest best in the press conference saying he can't wait to get to the ACL so he can change his squad up, because if he did it in the A-League everyone would call him crazy; Do it. And let them see you do it.
Wellington 2 def Gold Coast 0
Jerrad Tyson was the stand-out when the shirt sponsor-less kids of the Gold Coast took on Wellington at the Cake Tin. Credit where credit is due to the Gold Coast, who put in the youngest ever A-League side and for the majority of the game, defended hard. Durrante should have had a hat trick but will be happy with his one goal as it helped the Phoenix into third on the ladder and surprisingly only three points behind the second-placed Brisbane. The Mariners I'm sure will not want to travel over the ditch to play the first leg of a major semi-final.
These snuck under the Crossbar and into The Sack (Likes)
1. Parody twitter accounts. Some are very funny, @RealClivePalmer and @MehmetDurakovic are two of the better ones
2. The Pheonix fans tradition of getting their kits off when they are winning with 10 mins left. It's a bit left field but a tradition none the less. Getting a sponsorship deal with Fitness First just makes sense. @Kyle_Barnes15
3. The Football Sack coming runners up at the @FMA_AUS trivia night. Beaten by 'The Ronnie Radfords' led by former Socceroo @Steve_Horvat and with the likes of @EdWyatt we were led wonderfully by @MelanieDinjaski but beaten in a tie break when @ilija_st90 couldn't identify Ben Buckley before the fossil @MickLynch_Age could. In the name of dignity we elected not to lodge a protest (although we were clearly robbed). The Sack took the moral high ground and now look forward to revenge in 12 months time. That's right Horvat, we're coming for you!!!! Big thanks to all at the Football Media Association for organising a fantastic night.
4. Clint Bolton. @bootsa22 gave his gloves at the above mentioned trivia night for auction and then saved a penalty in the 94th minute at Suncorp. He's also a great bloke to boot. Clint Bolton we salute you.
5. The kids of the Gold Coast soldiering on. It would have been easy to throw in the towel and chase money at other A-League clubs without risking injury. Must be difficult for these guys who are all under 22 years old except their captain Thwaite.
6. Sydney Olympic at the Mardi Gras. Including our man Studman.
What went over the Crossbar (Dislikes)
1. Matthew Kemp's display when substituted 40 mins in. You were at fault for the three goals and are 31 years old.
2. Clive Palmer. Don't come out and say you don't like the game, then come out and say you're trying to fix the game. Simple.
3. Fabian Berbiero elbowing Dean Heffernan behind play. Low act and should get the rest of the season for it.
4. Not having much to dislike. Or is that a like?