Soccer: Phoenix seek to stretch undefeated run

Ricki Herbert. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Wellington Phoenix will chase an unprecedented 10th straight game without losing when they run out to play high-flying Central Coast Mariners at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.

That unbeaten streak, stretching back to October last year, has helped to keep Ricki Herbert's team in sight of the Hyundai A-League leaders but there also remains a strong "what if" side to that story.

In too many games a lack of concentration either in the opening or dying minutes has cost the Phoenix invaluable points and has them tagged as hopefuls rather than genuine contenders.

They have won only once this season. It promises to be no easier against the Mariners, who sprang the upset of the seventh round with their 3-0 shut-out of leaders Gold Coast United. United then slumped to their second loss of the season, joining the Phoenix and four other teams with the best loss record.

That reversal in Gosford came with a double cost to the Gold Coast, who had star striker Shane Smeltz sent off in the 68th minute for a second yellow card. He will miss Saturday's key clash with visiting Melbourne Victory, who will be chasing a second successive away win after downing Adelaide United 2-0 in the round opener at Hindmarsh Stadium.

In front of the biggest crowd of the weekend - 15,038 - Nick Ward gave Melbourne the early advantage, scoring after seven minutes.

Grant Brebner made certain of the points with a second a minute from time in a game in which Adelaide dominated with 55 per cent possession, a 12-7 majority in scoring attempts and a 7-2 corner count.

Sydney FC also defied the statistics in beating Newcastle Jets 2-1 in front of 10,357 fans at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Mark Bridge opened the scoring after 26 minutes but Matt Thompson had the Jets back to 1-1 before the break.

A 55th-minute penalty from veteran Steve Corica was enough to earn the points despite the visitors enjoying a 22-10 advantage in attempts and a 5-2 corner count.

Perth Glory joined Melbourne as the only other away winner with their 4-2 triumph over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

An own goal had Perth ahead inside two minutes. Wayne Srhoj doubled that before the break. Henrique got one back early in the second half before Branko Jelic scored on the hour for 3-1. His fourth goal of the season saw him join Robbie Fowler in second place in the golden boot race - five behind runaway leader Smeltz.

An own goal handed Brisbane a lifeline at 2-3 after 64 minutes but Adriano Pellegrino closed it out with Perth's fourth goal 11 minutes later.

Perth are on the road again this week having the short turnaround with Friday night's clash with Newcastle.