Robbie Fowler’s injury time penalty for Perth Glory against Melbourne Heart brought round 4 of the A-League to a close this evening, and in the process kept his side equal top of the competition ladder with Adelaide United on eight points. It was the Englishman’s first goal in Perth colours and was enough to earn the Glory a 2-2 draw, preventing Melbourne from registering their first A-League win.
The Penalty was controversially awarded after Perth striker Michael Baird fell to the ground following what appeared to be minimal contact from Heart substitute Kliment Taseski in the box. Melbourne lead 2-1 at half time following goals to Gerald Sibon and Nick Kalmar for the home side that were sandwiched by an own-goal to defender Michael Marrone.
Earlier this afternoon the Heart’s cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory enjoyed their first win of the 2010-2011 campaign, downing Gold Coast United 1-0 at Skilled Park in front of just 3,624 fans. Melbourne’s Robbie Kruse was the benefactor of an inch-perfect pass from Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez that set up the striker’s first goal of the season.
Watch the Melbourne Heart vs Perth Glory match video:
Melbourne Heart vs Perth Glory Video
United remain without a win after three matches and are equal last on the table on two points with Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Heart. Gold Coast received some good news on the weekend however, with Socceroo forward Bruce Djite signing on as Shane Smeltz’s replacement, following the NZ international’s impending departure to Turkish club Genclebirligi.
On Friday night Brisbane Roar continued their impressive start to the season with a 1-0 home win over Wellington Phoenix, which was their second straight victory at Suncorp Stadium. A second-half goal to Kosta Barbarouses was enough to see the Roar finish the round in third place, just a point behind Perth and Adelaide with a game in hand.
On Saturday night, Sydney were left frustrated after Central Coast Mariners import Patricio Perez dubiously earned his side a penalty – and sky blues keeper Liam Reddy a red card – with a theatrical fall in the 73rd minute, before stepping up to convert the equaliser. Sydney’s Ryan Grant had given the home side the lead early in the second stanza after a stale first half from both sides. While in Townsville, Adelaide finished 3-2 winners against North Queensland Fury, who’s first loss under Czech coach Franz Straka sees them slip to fourth on the ladder.
Round five kicks off on Friday night in Gosford, with the Mariners up against the Victory, while on Saturday North Queensland travel south to take on the Heart and Sydney host Adelaide. Sunday’s double header sees Newcastle at home to Brisbane and Wellington away to Perth.Gold Coast sit out the round with their second bye in three weeks.