Hyundai A-League legend Mark Bridge made his NSW NPL 2 debut for Mounties Wanderers as his side saw off North Shore Mariners 4-2.
Bridge, who last week spoke of his excitement at playing his first National Premier Leagues game in 15 years, did not get on the scoresheet but the former Western Sydney Wanderers forward made his presence known as Mounties consolidated their hold on fifth place.
Image credit - Charles Abdilla (Mounties Wanderers Facebook)
In NPL 1, Mount Druitt Rangers made it two upsets in a row as they shocked Manly United 2-1 at Popondetta Park a few days after knocking Wollongong Wolves out of the FFA Cup.
It’s been a poor week for Wolves who suffered only their second loss of the season as Sydney United 58 stunned the competition front runners 2-1 in their own back yard.
While Wolves cling onto top spot for a 14th straight week, the chasing pack moves closer and sets up a thrilling final eight weeks of the regular season.
Elsewhere Rockdale City Suns thrashed local rivals Hakoah Sydney City East 4-0 to jump back into the top five.
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Victoria
Dandenong City moved away from the relegation zone with a 4-1 thumping of fellow cellar-dwellers Pascoe Vale.
Former Hyundai A-League star Brendon Santalab got on the scoresheet as he and Carl Valeri continue to impress since joining the club last month.
Elsewhere, South Melbourne saw off Port Melbourne Sharks 3-1, putting them on the cusp of a finals spot.
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Queensland
In the Sunshine State, there was a shock as Penninsula Power suffered just their second loss of the season, falling 4-2 to Eastern Suburbs FC.
Elsewhere there was a thumping win for Olympic FC who brushed aside Magpies Crusaders FC 8-1 on Wednesday night.
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South Australia
It was a goalless draw under the lights at Adelaide City Park as Adelaide City and West Adelaide faced off.
Friday’s match between two giants of South Australian football had an air of desperation hanging over it with both clubs in relegation danger.
Campbelltown City meanwhile maintained their one-point lead atop the ladder with a 3-1 win over Para Hills Knights.
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Western Australia
In the West there was a big win for Floreat Athena as they demolished Perth Glory 6-0 in their second versus third clash.
Elsewhere, ladder leaders Perth SC were surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw by 11th placed ECU Joondalup.
Capital Football
Cooma Tigers have laid down a gauntlet in Capital Football NPL with a convincing 4-1 over Canberra Olympic.
The match at Cooma’s Nijong Oval was a battle between the two top teams in the Capital with Mark Shields netting a hat-trick to put his side atop the ladder.
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Tasmania
In Tasmania, Olympia strengthened their hold on second place with a 6-0 thumping of Clarence.
The win takes them to within two points of Devonport Strikers who will play their split-round fixture against Glenorchy Knights on Saturday.
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