By TERRY MADDAFORD
Wollongong Wolves underlined their standing as Oceania's best club side when, just six days after winning the club championship in Papua New Guinea, they scored a hard-fought 1-1 away draw with Perth Glory.
The replay of last year's Australian national league final was set to produce a surprise win for the Matthew Horsley-led Wolves when he gave his side the lead in the 51st minute.
The battle-weary visitors held on until six minutes from time when Perth defender Jamie Harnwell smashed home from 35m.
With these two close rivals only taking a point, South Melbourne stretched their lead to six points with a 1-0 home win over Adelaide City.
A rare goal for defender Fausto De Amicis gave Souths their 10th win of the season and maintained their unbeaten home record.
It was a disappointing result for Adelaide veteran Aurelio Vidmar, who had hoped to celebrate his 200th NSL appearance with a victory.
Vidmar first played for Adelaide in 1985 and, apart from his overseas stint from 1991-99, has played all his football with the South Australian club.
Unlike Football Kingz coach Wynton Rufer, who was able to celebrate his 50th league match (as coach) with a victory on Friday night, Eastern Pride boss Jeff Hopkins marked his 50th game with a 0-1 loss to Newcastle United, who got home with an injury-time winner from John Buonavoglia.
Despite torrential rain at Marconi Stadium, the home side beat close rivals Parramatta Power 2-1 - a result which keeps both teams in the top six.
Marconi captain Dominic Longo needed fewer than two minutes to put his side ahead. Despite the team being reduced to 10 men, substitute Saso Radulovic made it 2-0 five minutes from time.
Substitute Hamilton Thorp snatched a late goal for the visitors.
Sydney United came from behind to beat Northern Spirit 2-1 and the Melbourne Knights beat the Brisbane Strikers by the same score.
Soccer: Weary Wollongong just miss bid for Glory
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