Soccer: Kingz in good company as champions slump to bottom

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Three matches into the Australian National Soccer League season, defending champions Wollongong Wolves have slumped to the bottom of the points table.

With just one point, Wollongong are joined at the bottom of the heap by South Melbourne - the team they beat in last season's grand final - and the Football Kingz, a side many touted as play-off contenders this season.

A Damian Mori goal in each half was enough to give leaders Perth Glory a 2-0 away win over Wolves in front of nearly 5000 fans at WIN Stadium.

The victory took Perth three points clear of Brisbane Strikers - who had the third-round bye - and put Mori two goals clear in the early goal-scoring race.

South Melbourne, too, went down at home - beaten 1-0 by unheralded Sydney United, who had Ante Milicich's 37th-minute goal to thank for their first victory of the season.

It will not get any easier for Souths or Wolves this week.

While South Melbourne sit out the round with the bye, Wollongong are away to unbeaten Newcastle United on Friday night.

In front of the biggest crowd of the round - 10,005 at Marathon Stadium - Newcastle played out a scoreless draw with Parramatta Power to join Northern Spirit on five points.

Newcastle have conceded just one goal in three outings, but are struggling a little in the goal-scoring stakes, with just one each to Scott Baillie and Esala Masi to show for their efforts.

Northern Spirit also remain unbeaten following a 2-2 away draw with Adelaide City Force.

Scott Tunbridge gave the home side a dream start, scoring after just six minutes. Roberto Enes equalised 25 minutes later, but Adelaide hit back quickly through Iain Fyfe to lead 2-1 at halftime.

Pablo Cardoza scored early in the second spell to secure a point for Spirit.

Northern Spirit meet Olympic Sharks in an all-Sydney affair on Friday night.

The Sharks lost ground when beaten 1-0 at home by the Melbourne Knights, with Alex Kiratzoglou separating the teams with his goal in the 55th minute.

Marconi Stallions, rejuvenated following their 5-3 home win over the Kingz, meet Sydney United in Sunday's all-Sydney battle.

The Kingz face the toughest task, having to play a rampant Glory at North Harbour Stadium on Friday night in what promises to be a real test, both physically and mentally, against the team who are professional in every sense of the word.

In other fourth-round action, Parramatta are at home to Adelaide and the Knights meet the Strikers in Melbourne.