In a scrappy contest at the Cake Tin, Perth outlasted the desperate Phoenix to record a narrow 1-0 away win.
A solitary goal to Chris Harold following a pinpoint Nebojsa Marinkovic free-kick condemned the hosts to ninth place on the table, and provided the Glory fans revenge for their earlier defeat to the ‘Nix in week two of the season at nib Stadium.
Wellington’s early season hopes of a sustained playoff run are in tatters after their latest home defeat, which sees them 11 points off Adelaide United in the sixth and final playoff position. The Phoenix were wasteful on Sunday afternoon, and their lack of a quality striker is the key issue for a side dearly missing the departed Nathan Burns and injured Roy Krishna now more than ever.
On the other hand, for all the Wellington gloom, things are looking better for Perth. The Glory have now closed the gap to six points on the finals pack, continuing their mid-season revival after a poor start to the campaign.
In the opening minutes it was clear that the game was going to be a gritty affair, with plenty of fouls being put in by both sides. The ‘Nix had more of the ball, but on 20 minutes, Tom Doyle gave away a free-kick after Andrew Durante had dithered and given possession away. Marinkovic duly delivered a trademark pinpoint ball for Harold to nod home, unchallenged from 10-yards out. It proved to be the game winner, as the Phoenix poured forward but could not find an answer throughout the rest of the match.
POPULAR ARTICLES
An Australian Rover’s account of live FA Cup football
A League – Worst Three Performers – Newcastle Jets 2 Melbourne City 1
A-League – What We Learned – Newcastle Jets 2 Melbourne City 1
Formations
Custodian Glen Moss was between the sticks as usual for the Phoenix and he atoned for his uncharacteristic error against the Mariners in the last round by producing some stunning saves, particularly in the 52nd minute to deny a Marinkovic curler.
With the retiring Ben Sigmund still yet to make a return from injury, a youthful Phoenix defence was comprised of Louis Fenton and Tom Doyle on the flanks, while young Australian prospect Dylan Fox partnered his vastly experienced counterpart Durante at centre-back.
There was yet another enforced change in midfield, as Albert Riera was once again absent through suspension, in his place the versatile veteran Manny Muscat started as the defensive-midfielder, while Roly Bonevacia and Alex Rodriguez started together again ahead of him. Youngster Joel Stevens was handed his second straight start for the Phoenix, as Jeffrey Sarpong departed the club, while new loan signing Alex Jones did not even make the bench.
At the end of this match there were no suspensions for the Phoenix to deal with, however, Alex Rodriguez was withdrawn early with a suspected medial ligament concern, and Doyle also looked to be in some discomfort at the end with a calf complaint. With coach Merrick labeling the inexperience of his side as its downfall, he also bemoaned the fact that he has had to make do with youth, as all of his experienced players have been injured or suspended at crucial junctures throughout a difficult season.
New signing and former Hungarian International Krisztian Vadocz made his starting debut for the Glory, while Kosta Petratos made his first bow off the bench. Diego Castro was not in the starting lineup but he did make an appearance off the bench late on in the second-half, replacing the excellent Marinkovic.
Goalkeeper Ante Covic lead by example at the back, making some solid saves, while the rest of the Perth defensive unit excelled in a tough battle, with Warren in particular making some crucial blocks despite being given a tough time by Stevens and Fenton’s overlapping runs. Coach Kenny Lowe will be happy that his side kept their first clean sheet since round seven’s goalless draw with Sydney FC
Up front, Harold scored the crucial goal, while Andy Keogh was put through one-on-one and blew his chance to put the game to bed when he rounded Moss, only to hit the post under pressure.
Glory show all round class despite tricky trip
The visitors had strength in depth, able to introduce the likes of Dimitri Petratos and Castro off the bench. They were a class above in this scrappy victory, and their defence held firm to repel the desperate but ultimately toothless Phoenix attacks throughout the match. At the final whistle they celebrated with the impressive number of boisterous away fans and in an even classier touch and show of respect, dedicated the goal and the win to Jamal Reiners late father, for whom they also wore black armbands in the match.
Only one more shot for on offer for Phoenix in dismal season
The third and final meeting between these two in Round 24 at Westpac will decide the winner of the Distance Derby Cup, which now is almost certainly the only chance the Phoenix have of silverware this season. With this loss, it seems this season will go down as an ultimately fruitless and frustrating one for the New Zealanders. On-field and off-field issues have plagued them throughout, which has not helped Merrick or his players concentrate on their tactics or their next match. It seems that the pressure has got to the Nix players, and now they have not won for nine matches, with five straight losses.
[interaction id=”56b808e0180dad85056724d4″]
Wasteful Phoenix
At the final whistle, the Phoenix had 11 shots to Perth’s three but they struggled to hit the target, recording three on goal to their opposition’s four. This poor record was summed up by a Michael McGlinchey howler, as a Fenton cross was delivered in the perfect position on the stroke of halftime. However, he inexplicably shot straight at Covic with the goal wide-open, and the Glory consequently dealt with everything else that the Phoenix threw their way. If that chance had received the finish it deserved, the second-half could have been an entirely different affair.
Conclusion
This was a war of attrition and Perth came out deserving winners. The Phoenix missed key players through injury and lost on the scoreboard, while Perth will return to Australia with no walking wounded and a valuable three points.
Melbourne City will now be itching to take-on the beleaguered New Zealander’s at home again, having already outclassed them 3-1 there this season. On the other hand, Kenny Lowe’s men are still in the running to snatch a play-off spot, and following this gutsy performance they travel to Hunter Stadium to take on the unpredictable Newcastle Jets.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
