We pick the best performers from a thrilling penultimate A-League matchday.
Lawrence Thomas – Goalkeeper – Melbourne Victory
Thomas did not leave Wellington with a clean sheet, but his reaction after conceding showed just how desperate he was not to see the ball bulge the back of the net. Having waited in the wings for much of the season as he did last season, Thomas produced a superb performance once more with the highlights a fingertip save from a long-range Michael McGlinchey effort as well as a stunning reflex save.
Scott Neville – Right-back – Western Sydney Wanderers
Neville produced a solid performance as his side stormed to a 4-1 win against the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night. Throughout the night, the full-back got forward on a number of occasions and was rewarded for his efforts when he set up his side’s third goal with a delicate cross into Brendan Santalab, who headed in from close-range.
Iacopo La Rocca – Centre-back – Adelaide United
The former Western Sydney defender looked solid at the back throughout the night as the Reds heaped more misery on Sydney FC in the back half of the season. Tasked with keeping the evergreen Shane Smeltz out of the action, the 32-year-old did exactly that as he kept the New Zealand international quiet.
Alex Grant – Centre-back – Perth Glory
After losing out on a place in our team of the week last weekend, Grant makes the team in the second last regular season game following yet another strong performance. Everything that came the way of the young defender was dealt with swiftly and was key in helping Shane Lowry to contain the dangerous Bruno Fornaroli.
Craig Goodwin – Left-back – Adelaide United
Thrust into the back four yet again by Guillermo Amor, Goodwin did not let his side or coach down in the 2-0 win away against Sydney. The versatile midfielder looked dangerous whenever he got forward, creating a number of chances for his side throughout the duration of the match.
Romeo Castelen – Right-wing – Western Sydney Wanderers
A much better outing from the Dutch international and a level of performance Wanderers fans will be hoping he carries into the finals series. His goal to open the scoring was superb and showed his true talents. The veteran winger was dangerous throughout the match when he cut inside, causing problems for the Mariners defence.
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Andreu – Centre-midfield – Western Sydney Wanderers
Despite not having his usual partner in the middle of the park in Dimas, the experienced midfielder adapted to the situation well and took control of the game for his side. Andreu played the role of a central-midfielder perfectly as he controlled the tempo of the game for his side as they dominated the possession stats in the win.
Gyorgy Sandor – Centre-midfield – Perth Glory
In arguably one of his best performances for Perth Glory, Sandor was a major key to his side grabbing all three points against a free-scoring Melbourne City side. The 32-year-old got his head up early in passing moves as he looked to get his side moving quickly. Sandor grabbed himself a goal to cap off his performance.
Diego Castro – Left-wing- Perth Glory
This man continues to quietly go about his work in the west but his performance against Melbourne City was superb. Castro came alive in the second half when the game really sparked to life. His technique to volley the ball home for his side’s third goal was a true reflection of the quality he brings to the Perth lineup.
Goal of the season from Diego Castro? @PerthGloryFC #PERvMCY #BeautifulGame pic.twitter.com/QP5UkoZCMV
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) April 3, 2016
Bruce Djite – Striker – Adelaide United
A man who has come under plenty of scrutiny throughout the season for his failure to score goals on a consistent basis. The physical striker scored both of his side’s goals in their 2-0 victory which in turn resulted in Djite becoming Adelaide United’s greatest ever goalscorer, surpassing former star Travis Dodd.
Andy Keogh – Striker – Perth Glory
Ever since returning to Perth in January, the Glory have looked a completely different team and their red-hot form continued as well as did the form of the man up front. Keogh has netted eight goals in as many games to set a new Hyundai A-League record. The Irishman laid off the other two goals for his side on Sunday evening to cap off his performance.
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