Tom’s weekly outlook on the A-league
As the season reaches the business end, the top 6 is beginning to take shape, and not without the odd surprise either. Following a comfortable 3-1 win on the weekend over the Melbourne Heart, Wellington have climbed to 2nd on the table behind central Coast, and look to consolidate their place in the top 3 by season’s end. Paul Ifill snared a brace for the Phoenix, while Chris Greenacre scored just after half time, while Alex Terra’s goal was the only one for the visitors. With the 3rd and final derby of the season this weekend, the Heart’s form isn’t ideal, and will need to pull out a very good performance to beat a determined Melbourne Victory.
The Victory though, is in their traditional world of pain. Yet again, they surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead to draw 2-2, this time with arch rivals Sydney. In what was a mainly dour 1st half, the Victory managed to get 2 goals in injury time. Isaka Cernak got his first league goal for the club when he slid a shot past Liam Reddy, and then Fabio made it 2 when his run made it all the way to the by-line where he managed to squeeze the ball home. Things were looking rosy for the Victory, and when they returned, Archie Thompson could have easily made it 3-0, but his shot went wide. Sydney seemed determined to get one back, and when they did, the Victory began to crack. For the majority of the last half hour, the Victory was being pinned back by Sydney, and when they did get the ball, they just turned it over again. And almost inevitably, former Victory defender Sebastian Ryall scrambled a goal in the 90th minute to earn his side, but more importantly, take 2 away from Melbourne.
Brisbane has continued their slide down the table with a 1-0 loss to Newcastle at the weekend at Suncorp Stadium. Jets captain Jobe Wheelhouse scored the only goal of the game 23 minutes in to give Newcastle a renewed hope of making the finals. Perth Glory has defeated Adelaide United 3-0 at the weekend to reach 4th position on the table. Shane Smeltz and Steven McGarry were responsible for the 2-0 half-time lead, and former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller got the 3rd of the game 10 minutes from time.
The Central Coast Mariners – Gold Coast match has been postponed to a later date due to torrential rain affecting the Robina Park Stadium.
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.
Tom – it’s fascinating to follow the teams’ progress to the “business end” of the season… They should get a big crowd to the Heart v Victory derby – and I’m fascinated by the twists and turns of Victory this season… there is enough drama for a theatre stage, as well as a football field! Look forward to your next report ;)
Nice work Tom.
Very much a season for Victory to forget after all the early hype.
On a different note, how has the Hatch gone?
Tom,
That young Goodwin was fantastic on debut….a Chris Waddle mixed with Brett Emerton?
Victory are a shambles. Kewell is clearly on the outer. Myscat’s disciplinary recklessness is his legacy and only the goalie is keeping them alive. Milligan looks a good get?