Round four A-League snapshot
SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND FOUR OF THE A-LEAGUE
THEY SAID IT: "If they want entertainment they'll go to Erina Fair (shopping centre) or down to the Crowne Plaza to get it." - Sydney FC striker Matt Simon slammed Central Coast owner Mike Charlesworth during the week for giving his former club a licence to lose in favour of playing entertaining football. On Saturday Simon scored the winning brace against the Mariners.
STAT THAT MATTERS: Newcastle's come-from-behind win over Melbourne City earned the Jets their first back-to-back A-League victories since March 2014. It also snapped City's best-ever unbeaten home run of 10 matches.
MAN OF THE ROUND: The marquee who finally gave the new-look Wanderers a result to go with their promising football. Take a bow Dario Vidosic, for not only netting the winner against Perth but also for lasting the full 90 minutes and playing with a pace and intelligence that signals more good things to come.
SAFEST HANDS: Roar gloveman Jamie Young produced a couple of crucial saves, including a remarkable one to deny Adelaide's Spanish import Cirio, who was one on one after beating veteran defender Jade North to a long ball from the back. Cirio appeared certain to level the scores, only for Young to throw out his left palm and force a corner.
CONTROVERSY CORNER: In the eyes of Mariners coach Tony Walmsley - and many other viewers - Sydney FC keeper Vedran Janjetovic's first-half challenge on Roy O'Donovan was a "clear-cut penalty". It went unpunished by referee Adam Fielding, who only minutes later showed Nick Fitzgerald a second yellow card and sent Central Coast down to 10 men. Walmsley also took issue with Fitzgerald's first yellow for simulation, arguing "Fitzy doesn't dive".
UNDER PRESSURE: Adelaide are the only side still looking for a win after four rounds. They threatened to score against Brisbane on Saturday and controlled sections of the match, but were ultimately outplayed 3-0. The Reds now wallow in last place with their next test shot at victory against Melbourne City.
