In A-League of its Own 15 (2011/12)

Tom’s weekly outlook on the A-League

Melbourne Heart has cemented their place in the finals series for the first time in their short history following a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC. After taking a comfortable 2-0 lead into half time, the home side threw away their advantage by the 80th minute after substitute Shannon Cole netted a brace. Earlier, former Victory players Fred and Mate Duganzic combined for the opener before Eli Babalj became the Heart’s highest ever goal scorer with his second header in 2 games.

The Wellington Phoenix has failed to confirm their home final fixture after losing 3-0 away to Melbourne Victory on Friday night. In what may turn out to be his last ever home game, Carlos Hernandez delighted the home fans just 11 minutes into the encounter when he scored one of his trademark long range goals in front of the North end of AAMI Park. Isaka Cernak was able to latch on to the end of an Archie Thompson cross for the second of the game before James Jeggo put the icing on the cake by scoring a peach of a goal just before full-time.

The fight for the Premiers plate has hotted up even more after Brisbane Roar closed the gap on Central Coast even further by defeating Newcastle 2-1 away from home. A Mitch Nichols penalty was the winning goal for the Roar who looks to take advantage of a fixture with Gold Coast this weekend to jump ahead of the Mariners in the race for top spot.

And Gold Coast United has defeated Perth glory 3-0 at home on Sunday following further turmoil for the club. James Brown bagged a double including a beautiful free-kick while Zac Anderson also scored a goal.

About Tom Riordan

Tom Riordan is in his second year of a Bachelor of Journalism at Swinburne University. He loves all sports, and plays for Brunswick Cricket Club. He supports the Western Bulldogs and can be found on weekends among half a dozen others in Q38 on the top level of the MCC.

Comments

  1. So, Tom, what is the format for the weeks ahead?
    And…the form?

  2. The fact that both Wellington and Perth lost last week-end, emphasises how costly has been Heart’s failure to finish the assignment in their two most recent matches. They could have (should have) given themselves a crack at a home final, with what should be a winnable fixture in Adelaide in the final round of regular season.

    Tom, I think you’re half correct that Wellington failed to nail their home final against Victory, but Newcastle’s loss to Brisbane and Heart’s draw with Sydney leaves them five points clear. So the two chasers did for them what the Phoenix couldn’t do for themselves. Chronologically, you’re right because Victory-Wellington playing Friday night left the issue in the balance, until Newcastle and Heart played Saturday.

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