Soccer: A-League draws few clearcut results

Jeremy Brockie. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

The 2010-11 A-League already has a World Cup look about it.

Seven of the 10 games in the opening two rounds have been drawn. Two games have been won by the odd goal, with Perth Glory's upset 2-0 second round win over Melbourne Victory the biggest winning margin.

The first two rounds at the World Cup (16 games) produced six draws and seven odd-goal (1-0 and 2-1) victories. By the end of the tournament Fifa boss Sepp Blatter bemoaned the lack of scoring, suggesting many teams went out "not to lose", rather than trying to win.

There have at least been plenty of A-League goals - 28 at an average of 2.8 a game - helped in no small part by three 3-3 draws. Interestingly, the betting agencies have had a rethink after the first two rounds.

The sites offering odds for the eventual winner were closed for a time after the last of the second-round games by which time their two short-priced selections, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, had tumbled to ninth and 11th (last) on the points' table.

After their first-up 3-3 draw in a replay of last season's final, both slumped to second-round losses.

Sydney were stung by North Queensland Fury, a popular choice as the wooden spooners.

After a scoreless first half, the Fury went ahead in the 65th minute through Chris Grossman, but the visitors got back to 1-1 eight minutes from time when Scott Jamieson headed home Terry McFlynn's cross.

Any joy at that was short-lived as Dyron Daal hit back a minute later for the hosts.

The Victory, even with home advantage over Perth Glory, 71 per cent of possession and a healthy shot count - 11-5 - and corners - 10-5 - in their favour, could not give their 17,566 fans the goal they wanted.

Jamie Harnwell and Mile Sterjovski scored for 2-0 to earn the West Australians their first league win in Melbourne and, even more satisfying, top spot on the table.

All White Jeremy Brockie, who saw little on-field action at the World Cup, was the hometown hero when he scored to give Newcastle Jets a 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart goal.

A cruel own goal, courtesy of Ben Kantarovski in the 80th minute, gave the visitors their first A-League point after their initial 1-0 home loss to Central Coast Mariners.

Central Coast needed a late Matt Simon goal to salvage a 1-1 home draw with Adelaide United who had taken the lead with a stoppage time Ian Fyfe goal at the end of the first half.

The Mariners claimed their late point to end the day with the Fury and the Glory in an unlikely three-way tie at the top. The Mariners will be keen to continue their unbeaten start when they travel to play the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.