Parramatta's Pablo Cardozo should get a pat on the back by his teammates and Northern Spirit after the midfielder effectively kept both sides in the hunt for a national soccer league grand final berth.

The replacement midfielder's goal at the death earned his side a 2-2 draw with the Olympic Sharks but it also prevented last year's champions taking a five point break on the Power and Spirit.

The draw left Power (fourth, eight points) and Spirit (fifth, seven points) in touch with both the Sharks (third, 10 points) and Adelaide City (second, 10 points).

With five rounds remaining Perth Glory are the outright leaders on 15 points and look in a good position to play in consecutive grand finals.

But the Sharks again will rue inconsistent finishing in what turned out to be one of the best matches of the season at Parramatta Stadium.

A controversial penalty goal by Ante Milicic had given the Sharks a 2-1 lead after earlier goals to Olympic's Jeromy Harris and the Power's John Buonavoglia.

Cardozo was the saviour however, his final free kick an exclamation point to a quality game.

In Perth on Saturday a double from Bobby Despotovski stretched the Glory's home record to 13 wins from 15 outings in a match marred by the dismissal of United assistant coach Gary van Egmond midway through the second half.

David Tarka set up the opener in the 25th minute for Despotovksi but it was the home team's controversial second goal which raised temperatures.

The ball appeared to go over the touchline before a Glory movement ended up with Brad Hassell finding Despotovski, who smashed it into the back of the net from close range.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP