Soccer: Newcastle shoot to top of NSL table

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The biggest win in their NSL history, 5-0 at home over Northern Spirit, took Newcastle United to the top of the table after an action-packed weekend.

Newcastle and Perth Glory, who sneaked home 1-0 over the Football Kingz, have six points. The early season favouritism now goes on the line in a classic contest in Perth this weekend.

Joel Griffiths bagged a hat-trick for Newcastle ... and referee Matthew Breeze helped when he sent off Simon Bell in the 40th minute and Vuko Tomasevic after an hour.

All White Vaughan Coveny gave South Melbourne some hope when he scored in the 24th minute of their home game against Sydney United.

But the joy lasted only eight minutes, as Bozidar Cacic snatched the equaliser. The point, Souths' first of the season, lifted them off the bottom of the table while United retained their unbeaten record.

Nick Budin's 88th-minute goal earned Adelaide City Force a 2-1 away win over Marconi Stallions, their first victory of the season, and left Marconi bottom of the table.

Wollongong Wolves upset Brisbane Strikers with their 3-1 away win. A week earlier Brisbane had surprised Perth but they had no answer to Wollongong's early onslaught.

Stuart Young scored in the eighth and 17th minutes to set up the victory. Sean Babic celebrated his first start of the season by adding a third in the 31st minute.

As well as the top of the table clash, round four this weekend will feature the Kingz away game against Wollongong and Brisbane's trip to Sydney to play the Olympic Sharks.