Soccer: Sharks on top again

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A repeat of last year's grand final win over Perth Glory has returned the Olympic Sharks to the top of the NSL table with three rounds to play.

In their first game under new coach Lee Sterrey, the Sharks got home 1-0 thanks to Perth defender Jamie Harnwell, who deflected a Joel Porter shot into the goal.

Adelaide City Force reinforced their top-six hopes with a third straight win. They beat Northern Spirit 3-2 away to remain fourth. All Whites striker Brent Fisher grabbed the second Spirit goal.

Parramatta's top-six hopes took a hiding when they went down 3-0 to Newcastle United, while a 76th-minute penalty by Chad Gibson dashed South Melbourne's hopes of maximum points against bottom-placed Marconi Stallions, the game finishing in a 2-2 draw.

Sydney United moved up the ladder with a 2-0 win over Melbourne Knights.