KEY POINTS:
The Wellington Phoenix remain in the mix after a record-breaking round of A-League action.
Ricki Herbert's team, battling 3-2 away winners over the Newcastle Jets, continue to impress with their ability to pick themselves up against the odds and collect invaluable competition points.
With just 43 per cent possession - it was 38 per cent in the first half - and only four of 16 corners in the match, the Phoenix still picked up their fifth win of the season.
Only the top four, Queensland, Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle have won more.
In scoring those three goals, encouragingly two from set play, they took their tally to 25. Only Central Coast and Adelaide - both with 26 - have scored more.
Again though, their defensive frailties cost them. They have now conceded 30 goals - one more than bottom-placed Perth and 13 more than leaders Queensland.
Shane Smeltz' goal against Newcastle took him back to top equal in the golden boot, with nine. He and Newcastle's Joel Griffiths seem set to fight out that race. They are three clear of Alex Brosque (Sydney), Jamie Harnwell (Perth), Reinaldo (Queensland) and Sasho Petrovski (Central Coast).
The 21 goals scored in the 18th round was a record. The previous best, 19, was set in round 11 of the 2005-06 season.
With Sydney, the Phoenix, Queensland and Melbourne winning in Adelaide, Newcastle, Perth and Central Coast respectively, it was only the second time all games in a round have been won by the visiting teams.
The one-millionth fan of the season passed through the turnstiles in Gosford on Monday night to watch Melbourne's amazing 5-2 win. The tally for the season was 1,016,879 as a record 18,686 spectators turned up at Bluetongue Stadium.
With three rounds to play, all teams still have a chance to make the play-offs. The Phoenix will need to win their remaining games. They play Sydney FC at home on Friday night before away trips to play Melbourne and Central Coast.
