The referees were again busy in week three of the A-League. In five matches, 19 yellow cards were flashed as well as reds for Chris Grossman and Eric Akoto (both North Queensland Fury).
In Melbourne, Chris Boyle dispatched Grossman after just 29 minutes and Eric Akoto nine minutes from time.
He also yellow-carded five Melbourne Victory players and dished out three penalties - all converted - in the final match of the round.
Despite having to battle for an hour without Grossman and the last few minutes minus Akoto, the Fury twice came from behind to share the points at 2-2 and continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Both Melbourne goals were scored from the spot by captain Kevin Muscat. In between times Eugene Sseppuya got one back for the Fury who snatched a late point through Chris Payne - also from the spot.
Perth Glory continued their best start to a Hyundai A-League season with their 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets. Branko Jelic's goal right on halftime enabled the Glory to claim their seventh point of the season and a two-point lead over North Queensland and Adelaide United who meet in Townsville on Saturday.
Adelaide continued their unbeaten start with a 3-2 win over new boys Melbourne Heart in the rain at home.
Matt Leckie gave the hosts a flying start by scoring inside two minutes. The Heart pegged that back through Rutger Worm just before the break. Iain Ramsey put United back in front before substitute Eli Babalj equalised. Ramsey's second earned Adelaide their second win of the season.
Sydney FC's woes continued on their trip to Brisbane where the Roar claimed a 1-0 victory and their fourth point in two outings. Matt McKay got the goal nine minutes into the second spell. Brisbane will line-up at the same ground against the Wellington Phoenix on Friday night with both teams having four points from their two outings.
The Phoenix have two early contenders for the golden boot with Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre sharing top spot with two goals each after three weeks. They are joined by Shane Smeltz, Muscat, Ramsey and four others.
* The Wellington Phoenix have added former Central Coast keeper Danny Vukovic to their roster for the rest of the season. Reece Crowther is out for two months with a fractured rib.
19 yellow cards were flashed in 5 matches. Photo / Getty Images
The referees were again busy in week three of the A-League. In five matches, 19 yellow cards were flashed as well as reds for Chris Grossman and Eric Akoto (both North Queensland Fury).
In Melbourne, Chris Boyle dispatched Grossman after just 29 minutes and Eric Akoto nine minutes from time.
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