Finals race tightens up in A-League Men

ROUND 21 OF THE A-LEAGUE MEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:

THEY SAID IT: "I'm sure tomorrow we'll get an apology as well. But that's not good enough, really, is it?" - Auckland coach Steve Corica was incensed by two penalties against his charges in the league leaders' pulsating 4-4 draw with Adelaide United.

MAN OF THE WEEK: Western Sydney young gun Aydan Hammond scored an equaliser to remember against Perth Glory. The ball skidded out to Hammond at the edge of the area and he beat a defender, cut on to his right boot and unleashed a wonderful strike into the top corner. He later scored a tap-in to put the Wanderers ahead.

TALKING POINT: The kids are all right. The Young Socceroos, having already qualified for the Under-20 World Cup for the first time in 12 years, claimed a maiden Under-20 Asian Cup title on Saturday night. All 23 members of the squad have spent time at A-Leagues clubs, with 17 currently plying their trade in the ALM.

STAT ATTACK: Brisbane Roar's winless streak at home has now stretched to 10 games after Kasey Bos salvaged a 97th-minute equaliser for Melbourne Victory in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Suncorp Stadium.

BEAT THAT: Guillermo May was the early star of the show against Adelaide United. The Uruguayan scored two goals in five minutes, and the first was simply wonderful. May dropped in between the lines to receive the ball in midfield, worked the ball on to his left foot and ripped an unstoppable rocket home.

UNDER PRESSURE: Things are only getting harder for Macarthur, whose former skipper Valere Germain joined star winger Jed Drew in departing the club over the past month. The Bulls sit eighth, five points outside the top six, following their loss to Sydney FC.

UP NEXT: On Friday night, City host Macarthur. On Saturday, it's high-stakes football as Adelaide play Brisbane, Western United take on Wellington and Victory host the Mariners. Then, resurgent Newcastle take on Auckland on Sunday.