Cahill opened the scoring for Shanghai Shenhua, coolly slotting home a 19th minute penalty in the derby against Shanghai SIPG as he sent goalkeeper Yan Junling the wrong way.
Unfortunately for Cahill’s side they were overrun in the second half, going down 2-1 at home.
Tough loss tonight after dominating the game. Our fans were amazing as usual #ShanghaiShenhua pic.twitter.com/IAJFlWr7h4
— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) August 23, 2015The goal continues the 35-year-old’s prolific run of form, now scoring eight goals in all competitions in the last two months.
Spiranovic scored his first goal – in just his third appearance – for new club Hangzhou Greentown in their come-from-behind win over Guizhou Renhe.
With his side trailing 1-0 five minutes before half-time, Spiranovic rose highest to divert a cross into the goal, with the ball skimming his shoulder before finding the back of the net.
The Socceroos defender then made a crucial block in the final minute, clearing a goal-bound effort away to ensure his side would hold on for a 2-1 win.
It’s just the type of form Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou will want from his key players ahead of two important FIFA 2018 Russia World Cup Qualifiers™ qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajikistan next month.
Elsewhere, it was an unhappy day for winger Mathew Leckie, whose FC Ingolstadt were crushed 4-0 by Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
In Denmark, Mustafa Amini played the last 25 minutes of Randers’ 1-0 home loss against Viborg FF, while Brent McGrath scored his first goal for new club FC Frederica as they went down 3-1 against Lyngby.
Finally walking after 6 weeks, steps in the right direction 🙏| #recovery #blessed #putinwork https://t.co/tnbtC2g0p6
— Bernie Ibini (@bernieibini) August 23, 2015Meanwhile, Bernie Ibini’s rehabilitation from a broken leg is on track, with the ex-Sydney FC flyer taking his first steps in six weeks over the weekend.
Ibini suffered the injury in his first week at new side Club Brugge and is hoping to be back to full fitness before the end of 2015.