Gold Coast down Sydney, claim top spot

Gold Coast reclaimed top spot on the A-League ladder with a classy 1-0 win over
Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Backing up from their 2-0 win over Newcastle four days ago, United produced another
polished performance to become the first team to breach Sydney's defence in six
games.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, a razor sharp finish from Gold Coast striker
Joel Porter in the 19th minute proved the difference in front of 14,941 fans.
The win saw Gold Coast move one point ahead of Sydney with four regular season games
remaining and two ahead of Melbourne, who still have a game in hand on the pair.
Gold Coast had looked clearly the more dangerous side in the early stages and they
took a deserved lead when Porter netted his third goal of the season.
The former Socceroos striker turned beautifully to collect a Tahj Minniecon through
ball before powering the ball past Sydney 'keeper Clint Bolton with his left foot.
The goal ended an impressive defensive run for Sydney and was the first thay have
conceded in 498 minutes of football, falling just short of the A-League record.
Sydney tried hard to find an equaliser but clearly missed the attacking spark of
Alex Brosque, who failed to recover in time from a groin injury.
In his place John Aloisi gave his all but couldn't apply the finishing touch on
several occasions, while Mark Bridge had an off day and made way for youngster Chris
Payne in the 60th minute.
Sydney's best chance came from a well-worked set-piece just before half-time but
defender Simon Colosimo's shot was unluckily blocked by teammate Aloisi.
Gold Coast, inspired by a typically busy and brilliant performance by captain Jason
Culina, always looked in control despite tiring slightly from their busy match
schedule and having to dig deep against Sydney's last-ditch efforts for an
equaliser.
Porter almost added a second just after halftime while top scorer Shane Smeltz
wasted a free header late in the match .