Soccer: Smeltz scores two for Perth

Shane Smeltz. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Wellington Phoenix midfielder Nicky Ward has been cleared to play against Perth on Sunday.

Ward was shown a straight red card by referee Matt Gillett in the closing stages of the Phoenix 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets on Sunday, ruling that the player had fouled to prevent a clear scoring opportunity.

The Hyundai A-League match review panel yesterday upheld the club's appeal.

Cashing in on Shane Smeltz goals either side of halftime, Perth Glory beat Melbourne Heart 2-1 away to keep pace with defending champions Brisbane Roar with a perfect two-from-two start to the season.

That win in the last game of the second round, edged the Glory ahead of the Wellington Phoenix who had earlier in the day overcome the odds to beat Newcastle Jets 2-0 at home in their warm-up for this week's demanding trip to Perth.

While Brisbane and Perth have the maximum six points, the Phoenix, against many predictions, are nestled in third place ahead of giants Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC who have just a point each following their first-up 0-0 draw and subsequent second round losses to Adelaide and Brisbane respectively.

Even at this early stage, the Roar are hotly-favoured to retain their title. The win at the Sydney Football Stadium stretched their unbeaten run to 30 matches.

Perth arrived at AAMI Park looking to consolidate their strong start to the season. They were helped in that quest when Melbourne Heart lost their influential captain Fred to a hamstring injury 10 minutes before the break.

Smeltz made no mistake with a header to claim his 50th A-League goal in his 79th outing.

But the home team were awarded a penalty which David Williams planted in the Glory goal. The visitors went back in front in the 67th minute when Smeltz banged in a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area.

Sergio van Dijk's second half goal was enough to get Adelaide their win over the Victory.

In the battle of the coast, the points were shared after Central Coast Mariners' Patrick Zwaanswijk scored three minutes from time. James Brown, with his second great strike in as many outings, had, 40 minutes earlier, given visiting Gold Coast United the lead.

Brisbane went ahead of Sydney before the break when striker Besart Berisha scored. The visitors were kept in the game by goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos with a couple of outstanding saves. A 73rd minute Thomas Broich goal ensured the points would head north.