Soccer: Herbert's men in effort to prove playoff credentials

Seven days after knocking off A-League leaders Gold Coast United, the Wellington Phoenix will have new leaders Sydney FC firmly in their sights.

The stunning 6-0 win over Gold Coast at Westpac Stadium on Sunday night has the Phoenix now seen by many as a contender rather than pretender. There is no tougher test to show they are likely to be in the frame come playoff time than a trip to the Sydney Football Stadium to play the league favourites.

On paper there is little between the two sides apart from one important column. The seven wins the Sydneysiders have claimed in 12 outings are well ahead of the two the Phoenix have managed. But elsewhere the Phoenix almost match their illustrious rivals.

Ricki Herbert's team have lost only twice - the least defeats in the league - and have a 15-11 goal difference which compares favourably with Sydney's 16-10. One of those two losses came in round four when, also at the Sydney Football Stadium, the Phoenix went down 0-2 with late goals getting Sydney home.

The Phoenix turned in their best performance of the season on Sunday night. Equally strong efforts in their catch-up game at home against the Newcastle Jets four nights later and then, another four nights later and also at home, Perth Glory will have them right in the mix.

Perth have fallen off the pace a little after going down 2-1 to bottom-placed North Queensland Fury in Townsville.

Victor Sikora gave Perth the lead after 25 minutes. They held that advantage until Robbie Fowler equalised in the 66th minute. Dyron Daal snatched the lead six minutes later to hand the Fury their second win of the season despite being on the wrong end of a 5-0 corner count.

All the scoring came in the opening 20 minutes at EnergyAustralia Stadium as Newcastle Jets beat neighbours Central Coast Mariners 2-1. Michael Bridges, after eight minutes, and Labinot Haliti six minutes later had the Jets 2-0 ahead. Five minutes later Adam Kwasnik closed the gap when he completed the scoring in which the Coasters dominated goal attempts, corners and possession.

Adelaide United could not keep out Melbourne Victory who led 2-0 after Nate Dugandzi had scored in the 19th and 57th minutes and went on to win 3-1.

Adam Hughes gave visiting Adelaide some hope with his 65th minute effort, but the final say was with Adrian Leijer who added Melbourne's third in the last minute.

Sydney also took a 2-0 lead at home against Brisbane Roar. Alex Brosque opened the scoring after 55 minutes. Karol Kisel added a second 14 minutes later. Substitute Isaka Cernak closed the gap in the 74th minute, but Sydney held on to claim the points they needed to go back to the top of the table.

Apart from the Phoenix visit to Sydney, most 13th-round interest will centre on Melbourne's trip to Perth.