A-League week 22 round-up

Friday March 7: Melbourne Victory 3 - Central Coast Mariners 1

The Victory scored two late goals to pick up three big points against the Mariners.

Saturday March 8: Newcastle Jets 1 - Melbourne Heart 0

Adam Taggart broke Melbourne Heart’s winning streak at the Hunter Stadium.

Saturday March 8: Sydney FC 3 - Western Sydney Wanderers 1

Sydney won its first derby to jump squarely into the finals conversation.

Sunday March 9: Wellington Phoenix 1 - Perth Glory 1

William Gallas scored for Perth Glory in the so-called Distance Derby, but a late Kenny Cunningham goal brought Wellington Phoenix back for a 1-1 draw. The Glory, who desperately needed three points if they hoped to climb up from the bottom of the ladder, gave up Cunningham’s goal in the 85th minute. That leaves Perth eight points out of the finals, though the Phoenix, in salvaging a home point, remain just three points from a postseason berth. Kenny Lowe’s Glory will host Melbourne Victory on Saturday March 15 in one of the final chances to make up ground. The Phoenix return to action at Melbourne Heart on Sunday March 16.

Sunday March 9: Brisbane Roar 2 - Adelaide United 1

A brace from Besart Berisha sealed Adelaide United’s fate at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday as Brisbane Roar moved ten points clear of second place Western Sydney Wanderers. Though Jeronimo scored deep in injury time, the visiting Reds could not compete with Berisha’s finishing form. The Roar will travel to Sydney for a big game against the Sky Blues on Friday night March 14 while the Reds have to go to Western Sydney on Saturday March 15 for a crucially important game in terms of finals positioning.