At the death: Archie secures point

Archie Thompson proved himself the hero on Saturday night when he snatched a last minute – literally – equaliser against the Central Coast Mariners, ensuring the Melbourne Victory remains at the top of the A-League ladder after five rounds.

For the second week in a row, Melbourne ended the game with ten men. This time, it was Michael Theoklitos to be sent off the field for apparently stomping on Sasho Petrovski’s foot. Once again, the threat of a longer suspension hangs over the club.

But Mitchell Langerak had an outstanding game off the bench, making several critical saves before being beaten by a Matt Simon header from point blank range.

While the Central Coast Mariners will be devastated to have given away the win at the death (not the first time they’ve done that this season), they should applaud Mark Bosnich for several great saves late in the first half and early in the second. Danny Allsopp and Carlos Hernandez both had opportunities that they should have converted.

With Sydney FC taking advantage of Adelaide United’s tired legs, the point in Gosford ensures that Melbourne remains at the top of the table on goal difference. The Newcastle Jets picked up their first win of the season, Joel Griffiths’ goal enough to beat the Queensland Roar, while the Perth Glory also had their first win, a 1-0 victory over the Wellington Phoenix.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0R5_p6krss[/youtube]