Brayden May selects our matchday 19 team of the week.
Mark Birighitti – Goalkeeper – Newcastle Jets
The Newcastle shotstopper was at his best as his side claimed a share of the points and denied Brisbane the chance to move to the top of the A-League table. Despite conceding two goals on the right, the man who spent last season out on loan ensured his side would not go home empty handed. The 24-year-old was unlucky when he conceded the opening goal after initially saving in-form Roar striker Jamie Maclaren’s penalty.
Jason Geria – Right-back – Melbourne Victory
The young full-back was strong in the tackle throughout the night, dealing well with the threat provided by the Melbourne City left side of Ben Garuccio and Jack Clisby as the pair continued to run at a rattled Melbourne defence.
Dylan Fox – Centre-back – Wellington Phoenix
Fox has only made a handful of appearances for the Phoenix senior team since signing in October and this was perhaps his best performance yet. The 21-year-old made his presence known physically throughout the match at the heart of the Phoenix defence.
Shane Lowry – Centre-back- Perth Glory
Since returning home to Perth from Milwall, the defender has rarely put a foot wrong as the Glory continued their purple patch in the backend of the A-League season. Lowry, paired with Alex Grant, did well to ensure that Sydney FC forwards Alex Brosque and youngster George Blackwood struggled to find space, not allowing them time on the ball.
Tom Doyle – Left-back – Wellington Phoenix
Doyle was a major threat running out of defence as his side claimed an extraordinary 5-2 win at Pirtek Stadium against the ladder-leading Western Sydney Wanderers. The former Auckland City man was involved in the opening two goals for his side as he put a number of dangerous crosses into the box from the left hand side. The 23-year-old took care of his defensive duties well in a solid performance.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
Yet another outstanding performance from the Socceroos midfielder in arguably Melbourne City’s biggest game of the year. Mooy grabbed himself two more assists from his side’s two goals, the first with a well placed reverse pass to Bruno Fornaroli after a superb counter-attack. Mooy’s free kick which earned Bruno Fornaroli his second goal was sublime as the dynamic duo continued their red-hot form.
Gui Finkler – Central-midfield – Melbourne Victory
Finkler was at the centre of the controversy in Saturday’s derby. His free kick struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line, though that was not spotted by the officials. The Brazilian grabbed himself a goal prior to that as the ball managed to deflect off his back and into the back of the net.
Isaias – Central-midfield – Adelaide United
The Spaniard was the main man behind Adelaide United’s comeback win against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday evening. His exquisite free kick was the highlight of his performance and very much the catalyst for the turnaround as the Reds moved into third spot on the table following their 3-2 win in Gosford. When Isaias had the ball at his feet, he showed he was not afraid to drive forward at the Mariners defence.
Blake Powell – Right-wing – Wellington Phoenix
The Wellington forward produced a superb performance, clearly the shining light in his side’s 5-2 win against Western Sydney on Sunday afternoon. The former Sydney FC man grabbed four goals with his perfect hat-trick coming inside 33 minutes, the second fastest in A-League history. Powell’s performance took a Wanderers side full of confidence by surprise and the home team could not work its way back into the match.
Bruno Fornaroli – Forward – Melbourne City
The Golden Boot leader found the back of the net yet again, grabbing himself a brace as Melbourne City drew 2-2 with rivals Melbourne Victory. Fornaroli’s cheeky rabona sent his side on its way for the opening goal, a play which the dangerous forward also finished. Fornaroli capped off his brace with a well timed run and header to meet a dangerous Mooy free kick.
Chris Harold – Left-wing – Perth Glory
A name that has been raised as a possible bolter for the Socceroos’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers did his chances no harm with a solid performance against Sydney FC. Harold grabbed another goal to make it five in his last five matches as the Glory claimed a victory against a Sydney team lacking confidence. His pace was a constant danger for the Sydney defence.
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