Round 26 In The A-League With Ze Phibber
The second to last week of regulation footy is done and dusted. Some great results this week, it is now going to take something extremely special to take the title away from Melbourne who are 3 points clear with a +23 goal difference; 2nd, 3rd and 4th are still anyone's game. Wouldn't it be nice to see the legends from Wellington sneak into that 2nd position. We will have to wait and see. Anyway, this weeks games...
The first game of the week was between the mighty Wellington Phoenix and the Central Coast Mariners. The match finished in a dramatic 3-2 win to the Phoenix. Goals to Nick Fitzgerald (Cen), Eddy Bosnar (Cen), Roly Bonevacia (Wel), and a deuce from super sub Kenny Cunningham (Wel). I'll tell ya what the lads from Wellington really showed some fight here and made me oh so proud. It appeared to be one of those classic games where nothing was going to fall for the Phoenix but once that first goal came it lifted the team immensely, and after the second goal there was no stopping them. They charged forward and played some truely enjoyable football. Although the chances are now gone of raising the silverware we still have a chance of grabbing that second position. Come on the Phoenix.
The second game of the week was between Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets. The match finished with Sydney claiming the 3 points 4-3. Goals to Enver Alivodic (New), Alex Brosque (2, Syd), Bernie Ibini (Syd), Edson Montano (New), Andrew Hoole (New) and Robert Stambolziev (Syd). Sydney have had some entertaining games this season to say the least, and this 7 goal thriller was no disappointment. The first half was relatively quiet and Sydney almost seemed to be a little content. However that was all blown out the window because the team that came out on the second half was absolutely roaring. Alex Brosque played a key part as per and Bernie Ibini was also clutch. Credit to Newcastle in this game as well, as they have really lifted their performance in previous weeks and in my opinion do not deserve to be at the bottom. Hopefully they can pick up a win next week and sneak out of the wooden spoon.
The third game of the week was between Adelaide United and the Western Sydney Wanderers. The match finished with the Wanderers coming up with a big upset with a 2-1 victory. Goals to Sergio Cirio (Ade), Tomi Juric (Wes) and Mark Bridge (Wes). Adelaide really have stayed true to their form this season, and by that I mean they get up for the games against the top teams and then slump down and play like trash against the lower ranked teams. It must be so frustrating to be a fan and see this week in and week out. Credit though to the Wanderers who had a pretty mediocre first half but really came out firing in the second half and really going for the win. The win that has moved them out of last place.
I have to touch on the poor challenge that earned Nigel Boogaard his red card and really turned the game in favour of the Wanderers. It's a hard one when you're in the situation. If I was Nigel and I knew I wasn't going to get the ball I would have committed to the tackle earlier before box that way even if you get a red they still have a bit of work to do to score. Bit of an error their and seeing as Adelaide basically lost because of it he is this weeks Knob Of The Week.
The fourth game of the week was between Melbourne Victory and the Brisbane Roar. The Victory all but sealed the Premier's plate with a 1-0 thanks to captain Mark Milligan who was able to put his team ahead from the penalty spot. Boy was he lucky to get the pen, it should not have been awarded, it was so soft and so unlucky for Brisbane. It was nice to see the Roar putting out several young players and giving them a run. And to be honest the Roar put on a valiant display and almost deserved the win. It would have made my week if they had come away with the result.
The final game of the week was between the Perth Glory and Melbourne City. The match finished with Perth claiming the 3 points as pointless as they are to them with a 3-1 win. Goals to Jaime Maclaren (3x Per) and Aaron Mooy (Mel). Jaime Maclaren has been class for Perth this year and this game was no exception with him pumping out 3 goals for a fantastic hat trick, not the prettiest of goals but hey, if you get 3 who cares. How about Aaron Mooy's finish though. Perfect free kick curled right into the top left corner from about 25 yards. Danny Vukovic looked as though he got really close to it but couldn't keep it out. Great goal, and as a result is the Phibbers Goal Of The Week.
The final week of footy is upon us, it looks as though Melbourne Victory will be lifting the plate It's going to take nothing short of a miracle for them to be be over taken, but hey dreams are free.