Soccer: NSL no place for faint hearted

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Seventeen rounds into the season and just two points separate seven teams between fifth and 11th on the league ladder.

With the top six teams going forward to the post-league playoffs, there is no place for a faint heart.

The Football Kingz, despite the disappointment of their 1-1 home draw against Wollongong Wolves on Friday night, remain in contention. They have the hardest task this week, however, with an away match against deposed leaders Olympic Sharks on Saturday night.

In a major upset, the Sharks went down 3-0 to the Brisbane Strikers, the first time the Sharks have not scored this season.

Brisbane have turned their season round, stretching their unbeaten run to seven games. Their last loss was in round 10 to the Kingz.

In another major upset, Marconi Stallions, with Rale Rasic in charge following the sacking of Raul Blancos, thrashed Melbourne Knights 4-1 at home.

Two goals for Grant Last and one each to Tony Sekulic and Alex Brosque had the home side ahead 4-0 in a little over 60 minutes.

The Knights, who had Ivan Julic sent off, scored a late consolation through Gustavo Biscayzacu.

Perth Glory went back to the top of the table with a 1-0 away win over Newcastle United.

South Melbourne, another team to mount a serious mid-season charge, beat bottom-placed Northern Spirit 1-0 at home to cement third place.

Parramatta Power and Adelaide City Force shared the points in a 1-1 draw.