Soccer: South Melbourne stay clear of chasing pack

By TERRY MADDAFORD

South Melbourne maintained their advantage in the National Soccer League with a convincing 3-0 win over the Football Kingz in Melbourne.

They are four points clear, but Perth Glory lifted themselves into second place with a 3-2 away win over Parramatta Power.

In front of a crowd of more than 10,000 in Newcastle, Sydney Olympic kept themselves in the championship race with a 1-0 win over second-to-last Newcastle United, thanks to an injury-time goal from captain Ante Juric.

Sydney United warmed up for their transtasman crossing to face the Kingz at WestpacTrust Stadium in Wellington on Friday night with a 1-0 home win over bottom-placed Eastern Pride. A 58-minute goal by Ante Deur was good enough to give United their fourth win of the season.

Marconi continued their good run - they are now up to fifth - with a 4-1 away win over Melbourne Knights. Archie Thompson scored two for the winners and Christian Care and Royce Brownlie added the others.

Joel Porter had given the Knights the lead at halftime with a goal in the 38th minute.

In the feature match this weekend, Northern Spirit are at home to South Melbourne.