Soccer: Coveny's strike vital for South Melbourne

By TERRY MADDAFORD

All Whites striker Vaughan Coveny missed one golden goal-scoring chance but made no mistake with a second attempt to steer South Melbourne to a vital 1-0 away win over Parramatta in the National Soccer League.

The win by last season's beaten NSL finalist maintained their late-season run and took them to within three points of a place in the top six playoffs.

Defending champions Wollongong Wolves are also mounting a late run. Their unconvincing 2-1 away win over Sydney United took them to ninth place and within four points of the top six.

Greg Sharland gave Wolves their 33rd-minute opener against the run of play. The home side were back to 1-1 by the break when Nahuel Arrarte scored through a deflection.

Substitute and club captain Stuart Young grabbed the 71st-minute winner - again against the run of play.

At the first NSL game played in Tasmania, a crowd of 5324 turned up in Launceston to watch league leaders Perth Glory play out a 1-1 draw with the Melbourne Knights.

Damien Mori put Perth ahead in the 40th minute. They looked set to maintain that advantage - and stretch their lead to 12 points - until the last minute when Andrew Marth scored. The point the Knights took ensured they would remain in the top six.

Another substitute, young Brisbane striker Michael Baird also scored a vital late goal as his side hit back to finish 1-1 with Newcastle United in the match of the round. Esala Masi had given Newcastle their early lead.

The Olympic Sharks kept their playoff hopes alive with their 3-0 away win over Adelaide. Goals came from Troy Halpin, Ante Milicic and under-17 international Fred Agius.

Marconi's hopes of a top-six berth took a backward step when beaten 2-1 at home by Northern Spirit who got home with a second half double-strike from Pablo Cardozo.

The Kingz, who play a friendly in Napier tonight after a weekend bye, return to Ericsson Stadium on Friday night to play the Knights. In the match of the round, Perth are home to Northern Spirit.