Soccer: A day to forget for four goalkeepers in NSL

By TERRY MADDAFORD

In direct contrast to the Football Kingz' late goal and their 1-0 upset win over Marconi Stallions in the 23rd round of the Australian National Soccer League, two games produced goal-scoring thrillers.

Defending champions Wollongong Wolves blitzed Newcastle United 9-4 in Wollongong, while last year's beaten finalists, Perth Glory, scored a 6-4 away win over Adelaide City Force in a game in which nine players made it on to the scoresheet. Only Adelaide's Scott Tunbridge scored twice. Perth led 3-2 at halftime.

The 13 goals scored in the match in Wollongong equaled the 1977 NSL record, when Adelaide City beat Mooroolbark 10-3. The nine goals scored yesterday by the winners broke the club record of eight set in 1997 against Canberra.

Saso Petrovski netted his second hat-trick in three games for Wolves, who led 9-1 with 15 minutes to play before United hit back with late goals from Peter Juchniewicz, Esala Masi and Chad Mansley.

Leaders South Melbourne had a much tougher time, eventually getting home 1-0 over Canberra Cosmos with a customary Con Boutsianis free-kick.

Sydney Olympic held second place with their 2-0 home win over Brisbane Strikers, with second-half goals from Kresimir Marusic and Greg Owens.

Melbourne Knights picked up a point in drawing 2-2 away with financially troubled Eastern Pride.

Sydney United, with two goals from former Nelson Suburbs striker Commins Menapi, beat Parramatta Power 2-1.

With the top four sides, South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic, Wollongong and Perth, now comfortably clear at the top of the table and seemingly assured of playoff spots, the real interest is now with the next five teams and their battle for the remaining two playoff berths.

Seventh-placed Adelaide have a bye this week and a guaranteed three points. The Kingz, on 30 points, play the Knights (on 37 points in sixth place), away on Sunday, while Marconi, fifth, meet 10th-placed Northern Spirit. The following three games for the Kingz, two at home and one away, are against teams below them on the points table.