Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup 2006 Rd. 3 Wrap-up.

In comparison to the first 2 rounds of the Pre-Season Cup, the third round has proved to be much more defensive and a bit boring with three out of four of the matches played producing no goals.

The first match of the round was the top two teams of Group B: Sydney FC and the New Zealand Knights. New Zealand continued their astounding run of form by holding Sydney off for a 0-0 draw and proving they are a much more improved team from last season.

The second match was the highest-scoring match of the Pre-Season Cup so far: Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners. Despite an early 4th minute goal through returning Socceroo Archie Thompson, the Central Coast sailed through by scoring 3 goals and guranteeing themselves a place in the knockout stages of the cup. Bottom of the table teams: Newcaslte and Queensland helped neither catch their group leaders with a 0 - 0 all draw. Former Socceroo Stan Lazardis made his debut with Perth Glory against Adelaide United but was unable to give them a victory with another 0-0 draw.

ROUND 3:

New Zealand Knights - 0
Sydney - 0

Melbourne Victory - 1
Archie Thompson '4
Central Coast Mariners - 3
Adam Kwasnik '35, Paul O'Grady '63, Noel Spencer '77

Newcastle Jets - 0
Queensland Roar - 0

Perth Glory - 0
Adelaide United - 0