Soccer: Top teams known at day's end

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Anzac Day battles on both sides of the Tasman could sort out the finishing order at the top of the Australian National League.

Leaders South Melbourne, in Auckland to play the Football Kingz at Ericsson Stadium tomorrow night, still need a couple of points to be confirmed as the top qualifier for the six-team playoffs.

The visitors have a five-point lead over Perth Glory, who would need to win both their remaining games to have any chance of going to the top.

Perth have the better for and against record after their 4-1 away victory over Brisbane. Damian Mori grabbed three for the West Australians to take a two-goal lead over team-mate Bobby Despotovski on the goal-scoring chart.

In a game of more than passing interest for the Kingz, Marconi beat Newcastle 1-0 away. Marconi are in the top five, a point ahead of Melbourne Knights who picked up a bonus three points from their cancelled game with Carlton.

Marconi are at home to the Knights tomorrow, with a draw enough to ensure both will make the playoffs.

Adelaide City Force slumped to their 10th loss of the season when beaten 0-1 away by Parramatta Power.

Sydney Olympic were upset by Sydney United, who had Croatian World Cup midfielder Aljosa Asanovic to thank for their 3-2 victory.

Two late goals enabled Canberra to come from behind to beat Northern Spirit 3-2 in the capital.

In other action tomorrow, Perth have their last home game against Parramatta, Adelaide are at home to Canberra, Newcastle play Olympic away and Northern Spirit entertain Wollongong.