Clipped Victory's wings enable Sydney FC to close gap at top

Friday's night's draw by Melbourne Victory in Wellington enabled Sydney FC to close the gap on the A-League leaders in an impressive 4-1 win over luckless Central Coast Mariners, while at Skilled Park tonight, Gold Coast United turned the tables on the Mariners 2-1 with a come from behind win, in front of one of their best crowds for the season.

In addition, the pitch itself was in immaculate condition.

2010-11 Hyundi A-League [rd17]:

Sydney FC Alex Brosque 19', 58'; John Aloisi 14' Steve Corica 64' Crowd: 11,871. Ref: Mr Ben Williams ( ). HT: 2-0	4-1	Nth Queensland Fury Rostyn Griffiths 69' Played at Sydney Football Stadium, Homebush
Gold Coast United Shane Smeltz 68', Andrew Barisic 76' Crowd: 4,117. Ref: Mr Daniel Goodwin ( ). HT: 0-1	2-1	Central Coast Mariners Matt Simon 39' Played at Skilled Park Stadium, Robina

Injuries have meantime upstaged the Gold Coast debut season, but a separate report shows that they need to shore up their defence - and it is reported that former Irish international and Bolton Wanderers defender, Wayne Buchanan looks likely to join the club on a short-term contract, while elsewhere Scottish forward Charlie Miller was seen in talks with the club, after reported having departed Queensland Roar.

Round 17 will be completed tomorrow when Perth Glory meet Brisbane Roar.

Next weekend sees Sydney FC travel across the Tasman, but into provincial city, Palmerston North where they meet the Wellington Phoenix, who have twice already lost out to the Light Blues.

HYUNDI A-LEAGUE TABLE 2009-10 [rd 17]

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Melbourne Victory	17	9	4	4	28	23	31
Sydney FC	17	9	1	7	24	18	28
Gold Coast United	17	8	3	6	23	26	27
Central Coast Mariners	17	7	6	5	23	11	24
Perth Glory	16	6	4	6	21	18	22
Newcastle Jets	17	6	4	7	19	23	22
Wellington Phoenix	17	4	9	4	23	20	21
Brisbane Roar	16	5	4	7	22	23	19
Nth Queensland Fury	17	4	6	6	19	32	18
Adelaide United	17	4	5	8	14	22	17