Soccer: Brisbane Strikers snatch surprise lead

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A 3-1 away win over Northern Spirit has given new coach Stuart McLaren and his Brisbane Strikers the surprise lead after the first round of the new Australian NSL season.

McLaren, 28, who was surprisingly handed the player/coach role during the off-season, watched in delight as debutant Luke Morley, 21, scored two first-half goals to set his side up for a good win at Pittwater Park.

Morley combined with Joshua Rose to open the scoring after 15 minutes. The second came right on halftime when Young Socceroo Matt McKay and Shane Stefanutto combined to set up Morley.

Spirit got one back eight minutes into the second spell when John Hutchinson scored. Rose completed the scoring in the 62nd minute.

A young Melbourne Knights side made the most of home advantage to share the points in a 1-1 draw with Marconi.

Brad Maloney, in his first appearance for Marconi in more than four years, opened the scoring in the 28th minute after some solid work from Joe Spiteri. A mistake by substitute Marconi goalkeeper Stacey allegedly handed Anthony Pelikan a gift equaliser immediately after halftime.

Sydney United opened the season with a 1-0 away win at Wollongong.

In a game like many others boasting a host of new players, the result was settled in the 19th minute by a Joe Vrkic penalty after Sean Babic was brought down in a clumsy Bobby Dragas challenge.

Parramatta, for the fifth year since they came into the league, failed to win their opening game. They played out a scoreless home draw with South Melbourne.

Souths had a golden chance to score after just two minutes when Con Boutsianis played the ball to Vaughan Coveny, who fired his shot across the face of the opposition goal.

Brisbane, Sydney United and Newcastle United (2-1 winners over the Football Kingz) were the teams to take maximum points. Defending champions Perth Glory had the bye and Adelaide United's game with Sydney Olympic was postponed.

In this week's feature game Brisbane are at home to Olympic.