Soccer: Souths' lead in NSL reduced to five

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Pacesetters South Melbourne have had their National Soccer League lead trimmed to five points following their 1-1 home draw with third-placed Perth Glory.

But defending champions Wollongong Wolves are not far away, despite their much-needed weekend off.

The Football Kingz clawed their way into the top 10 - now just five points out of the top six - thanks to their 3-1 away win over Eastern Pride. There is little time to reflect, however, as the Wynton Rufer-coached side will be back across the Tasman on Thursday to prepare for Friday night's match with Newcastle.

Nearly 13,000 fans turned up at Bob Jane Stadium for South Melbourne's match against Perth. They had some anxious moments in a scoreless first half and were reduced to silence when captain Paul Trimboli blasted an early second-half penalty over the bar.

It was his second miss from the spot in as many games.

South Melbourne took the lead in the 57th minute when Con Boutsianis scored.

The visitors refused to give in and the teams had to settle for a point each when Jamie Harnwell's header beat South Melbourne goalkeeper Michael Petkovic.

Sydney Olympic closed to within five points of the leaders with a 2-1 home win over neighbours Northern Spirit.

Olympic got home for their ninth win of the season, despite having midfielder Kresimir Marusic sent off as he was being substituted in the 62nd minute.

Spirit had taken the lead when former Olympic player Chi Chi Mendez scored in the 28th minute. Dylan MacAllister, in a rare start for Olympic, quickly equalised and Pablo Cardozo grabbed the winner just before halftime.

The Melbourne Knights continued their charge up the table and pushed Parramatta Power out of the top six with a 3-1 away win over the Sydneysiders.

Striker Adrian Cervinski grabbed his first NSL hat-trick for the Knights. Milan Blagojevic notched a late goal for the home side.

Sydney United, another making a mid-season charge, moved into seventh place with their 2-1 home win over Adelaide, who have slipped back to ninth.

Fourth-placed Marconi continued their role as the silent achievers with a 2-1 away win over Canberra.

With South Melbourne having the bye this week, there could be further shuffling on the table. Perth are at home to Sydney United and Wollongong are due to visit Marconi in two key fixtures on Saturday.