By TERRY MADDAFORD
Sydney United warmed up for Friday night's clash with the Football Kingz by battling National Soccer League leaders Perth Glory all the way before going down 2-1.
United took the lead in the 63rd minute when Commins Menapi beat Glory goalkeeper Jason Petkovic with a shot from just inside
the penalty area.
Stung, the visitors awoke from their slumber.
The league's leading goal-scorer, Damian Mori, charged on to a Shane Pryce cross and gave United goalkeeper Vilson Knezevic no chance.
Five minutes later Mori set up substitute Nick Mrdja, who ensured Perth would re-establish their 11-point lead.
Second-placed Newcastle United beat Adelaide City by the same score. Former Kingz striker Robbie Middleby scored the injury-time winner.
Con Boutsianis made it four in four games when he scored for South Melbourne in their 50th NSL clash with crosstown rivals Melbourne Knights.
Souths went 2-0 ahead inside 10 minutes when Boutsianis, and then All Whites striker Vaughan Coveny, scored. Two Joel Porter goals levelled the scores before youngster Massimo Murdocca got the winner against the run of play.
Brisbane's poor recent run continued when they could do no better than a 2-2 away draw with Northern Spirit.
Substitute Michael Baird grabbed the 83rd-minute equaliser after they had twice been behind. It was enough to keep the Queenslanders in fourth place and Spirit's point got them into the top six.
Third-placed Olympic Sharks went down 1-0 at Parramatta. Veteran defender David Barrett scored the only goal of the match right on halftime.
Sydney United come to Ericsson Stadium this week in 11th place - just two points ahead of the Kingz.
Perth have the week off, and the game of the round will be the Sydney clash between Olympic Sharks and Newcastle United - third at home to second.
