Soccer: Perth in classy start to season

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Perth Glory have wasted no time in showing they will be the team to beat with a stunning 3-1 win over last season's beaten finalists South Melbourne, in the feature match of the opening round of the Australian National Soccer League.

Shrugging off the disadvantage of playing away from home, Perth were always in control.

Bobby Despotovski opened the scoring with a penalty in the 21st minute and added a second before halftime, capitalising on an error by South's new goalkeeper, Chris Jones.

Damien Mori stretched the lead to 3-0 in the second spell, before substitute Steven Manceski celebrated his NSL debut with a goal in injury time.

Northern Spirit also won 3-1 away, over Parramatta Power. Both teams had a player sent off.

Defending champions Wollongong Wolves were held to a scoreless draw at home by Marconi who face a second away match this week - the tough trip to Perth.

There was plenty of action but only one goal at Toyota Park where Olympic Sharks (formerly Sydney Olympic) beat Sydney United 1-0.

A goal by Dylan MacAllister in the 66th minute separated the cross-town rivals in a game that saw 10 players booked.

The Football Kingz will have no respite after their 2-1 loss in Brisbane on Friday night.

Outplayed by the Strikers, the Kingz face South Melbourne at Ericsson Stadium on Friday night in a game which will leave the losers propping up the table.