Soccer: More of the same for struggling Knights

The scoreboard and reality were at odds as Adelaide United went back to the top of the A-League with a 1-0 win over the battling New Zealand Knights at Hindmarsh Stadium.

It was more of the same for the Knights.

No penetration, too much of the play in their defensive quarter and too many simple mistakes including being caught offside nine times, giving away too much easy ball and being found out with poor first touches too many times.

But, despite being behind on all counts including only 39 per cent of possession and six shots on goal compared to the home side's 21, the Knights at least battled for 90 minutes and could, with an ounce of luck late in the game, grabbed a point.

The first half was all Adelaide.

They went on to attack and stayed there.

The home side got in a dozen shots on goal, eight on target, and scored from one while the Knights managed just one half-hearted attempt in the opening 45 minutes as they, too often, played with just a lone striker.

Adelaide were in trouble early when Matthew Kemp limped off after just seven minutes replaced by Travis Dodd - but that made no difference as the home side mounted attack after attack.

Only Jeremy Brockie, dropped back to a midfield role, showed much for the visitors as they tried desperately to push forward.

The only goal came after 38 minutes when Carl Veart played a pin-point ball to Dodd wide on the right from where he fired a cross which Qu Shengqing met perfectly to head home.

The second half was, for long periods, more of the same with the home side attacking almost at will.

They had a couple of gilt-edged chances but were denied by Knights goalkeeper Danny Milosevic while at the other end Sean Devine and substitute Xiaobin Zhang should have done better with late chances.

The earlier games of round 13 brought little joy for the home teams.

Melbourne Victory's up and down season headed down again, beaten 2-0 at Olympic Park by Central Coast Mariners. In four successive matches at the Park they have picked up just one point. Sydney FC and Perth Glory played out a scoreless draw in front of 16,242 fans at Aussie Stadium.