The Reds defeated Marconi Stallions - in a match that doubled as the first-leg of the Capitol Hill Estate Cup - 2-1 to ensure their hold on top-spot strengthened.

Sydney United were made to work for their win, after Nahuel Arrarte hit the Stallions ahead from the penalty-spot midway through the first-half.

Former Sydney FC striker David Zdrilic showed all of his experience as he capitalised on some sloppy Marconi defending to draw the Reds level. With the match deep into injury-time, Sydney United found their winning goal via the boot of Elsid Barkhousir who made the most of a rare James Chronopoulos error in the Stallions goal.

At Gabbie Stadium, Blacktown City Demons scored their first win at home this season - along with their first goals at Gabbie Stadium - in a come-from-behind win against Sydney Tigers.

A fine counter-attack by the Tigers provided Stephen Kayes with a chance to put the visitors ahead, one that he did not fail to capitalise on. Despite the visitors best efforts, the Demons, led by an experienced back-line comprising Luke Casserly and Damien Foxe along with the youthful prowess of Chris Bedzo and Joel Chianese, drew level prior to the break via a brave diving header from Bedzo.

Ante Deur slotted home the winner in the second-half, converting from close-range following an exceptional save by Tigers goalkeeper Philip Zabaks who could only watch as the ball hit his upright and fell into the path of Deur.

Bankstown City's woeful run of results against West Sydney Berries continued as Peter Tsekenis' team was held to a 2-2 draw at Jensen Park. Tallan Martin's opening goal was immediately cancelled out by the Berries John Tsironis as both sides slugged it out in midfield. Berries captain Aheleas Kotsopoulos scored what seemed destined to be the visitors match-winner, though Robert Mileski - starting the match from the bench - salvaged a point for the home-side with a well-taken finish in the final stages of the encounter.

Wollongong Community FC was on the wrong end of a battering from last season's TeleChoice Premier League Grand-Finalists, Sutherland Sharks. The Sharks ran out comprehensive winners, securing a 5-1 win. A brace to Panagiotis Nikas, and single strikes to Ben Spruce, Matt Hall and Christopher Price, confirmed the Sharks win and return to form after an inconsistent start to the campaign; Steven Hayes scored a consolation goal for the home-side late on in the encounter. The home-side's task was not helped by Jamie Pitt's second yellow card of the match on 66' minutes, as the side trailed 3-0 at that point.

On Saturday evening, Manly United FC gave itself every chance of sticking with front-runner Sydney United as the team from Cromer Park scored a hard-fought 2-1 win against Bonnyrigg White Eagles. The White Eagles hit the front courtesy of the very skillful Frederick Graham on 31' minutes, though Giosue Sama scored in-front of his new home supporters moments later with a strong finish at the back post off an Andrew Mailer cross from the right.

Despite an evenly fought contest in the second-half, Manly United super sub Fabio Pena headed home a Robbie Cattanach cross to secure the where-points.

Penrith-Nepean United reminded all adversaries that they are certainly not around just to make up the numbers with an emphatic 3-2 defeat of Sydney Olympic at Penrith's CUA Stadium on Saturday.

Matthew Mayora had the Blues ahead after 11' minutes, though veteran 'nowadays' striker Evangelos Petratos ensured the teams would go into the break level. Sydney Olympic played from the 38' minute with only ten-men following a red card issued to Peter McPherson following a reckless challenge.

The man advantage spurred Penrith-Nepean on in the second-half and a quick-fire double between Mitchell Long and Ben Gough had the home-side 3-1 up.

Sydney Olympic striker Tolgay Ozbey gave his side some hope when he pulled a goal back inside the final 10' minutes though the late send off of defender Michael Cindric ended any slight hopes Aytek Genc's team may have had.

-By Joseph Carlucci