Super League has a new leader after Spirit FC overcame St George 2-0 in a tight affair while previous leaders Central Coast also succumbed 2-0, to Blacktown Spartans.
Despite the loss, St George retain third spot, courtesy of superior goal difference but there is a host of clubs right on their heels. Seven clubs are separated by just the one point, an indication of how close this competition will be.
Hills Brumbies are finding the going tough and remain bottom with Dulwich Hill on one point each.
Spirit FC v St George
The winner of this match knew they would go top following the loss of Central Coast the night before. It promised plenty pre-match and it didn’t fail to deliver despite the atrocious conditions as the game wore on.
The rain began just after kick off and the floodlights were on by 3.30pm, but both sides still put up an absorbing contest in the somewhat gloomy light.
St George started the brighter, and dominated the opening half. They kept a close watch on Juan Chavez who was limited to just the one chance in the first half. Reuben Lagos and Ivo de Jesus looked to unlock the Spirit defence and ran the centre of the park. But despite plenty of possession, the Saints could not break down the Spirit backline.
There were not a lot of chances in this one, James Kovas being denied by Murray Nelson being one of the standouts. But just as the conditions worsened, the opportunity arose for Spirit to take the lead. In a race for the ball, St George keeper Daniel Nash, slid in bringing down Adam Peatey in the area. Juan Chavez didn’t need a greater invitation than that and made sure of the spotkick.
St George rallied looking for the equaliser, de Jesus trying from distance on a couple of occasions but Nelson was rarely troubled to any great extent.
With just a few minutes to go, Spirit made the points safe. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi crossed from the right and substitute Daniel Findlay, who had only just come on, scored at the second attempt.
"The conditions were not conducive to good football", stated John McLafferty after the game. "But even so, both sides tried to play. We knew we had to show character today and we certainly showed it".
"I thought our defence was marshalled superbly, today we were very strong".
Spirit FC 2 (Juan Chavez pen 57’, Daniel Findlay 87’) v St George 0
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