Soccer: Leaders of the pack face off for bragging rights

Gold Coast United will host Sydney FC at Skilled Park on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

Early season bragging rights will be at stake when Hyundai A-League leaders Sydney FC head north to take on new boys Gold Coast United at Robina's Skilled Park on Saturday.

Gold Coast's perfect start to their inaugural campaign came unstuck when beaten 1-0 in Newcastle leaving Sydney, 2-0 winners at home over the Wellington Phoenix, as the only unbeaten team after four rounds.

Gold Coast were subdued at EnergyAustralia Stadium, managing just seven attempts on the Jets' goal. With only 31 per cent possession it was hardly surprising the Coasters rarely threatened to add to their 10-goal haul in the opening three rounds.

Newcastle, hardly mentioned in pre-season predictions, are up to third with only Sydney and Gold Coast ahead of them.

The Jets are away to Melbourne in a rare Thursday night game and will be looking to inflict more pain on a Victory side who have managed just one win and are one of three teams, including the Phoenix, who have four of a possible 12 points.

Only North Queensland Fury, with one point, are below this trio.

North Queensland picked up their first point in finishing 3-3 in Adelaide. Robbie Fowler gave the Fury a flying start with a goal inside five minutes but Adelaide hit back to lead 2-1 at halftime after goals from Lucas Pantelis and Lloyd Owusu. The visitors trailed with six minutes to play but a double strike from Dyron Daal and Daniel McBreen had them 3-2 ahead after 87 minutes.

Hopes of a first victory were dashed three minutes into stoppage time when Pantelis booted home a penalty.

Brisbane Roar picked up their first win of the season with a 1-0 home win over Central Coast. Captain Craig Moore headed home in the 12th minute to earn the Roar three invaluable points.

Perth Glory inflicted further pain on the Melbourne Victory with their 2-1 win at Members Equity Stadium.

Goals in the fifth and 54th minute to Branko Jelic were enough for Perth's second win of the season as visiting Melbourne could manage just one Archie Thompson strike in reply.

On Friday night the Phoenix are at home to Adelaide while Central Coast are at home to Perth in the later game.