Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas - 6.5

On his toes early making some clever saves to deny Singh and Ridenton. Brilliant save with the legs denying Ridenton. Some more top drawer keeping to deny a scorcher from Krishna.

Leigh Broxham - 6.5

In an attempt to put the ball out for a corner after a kerffufle in the box he slid it into his own net. Poor play from the Victory veteran however he made up for it with a confident hour of defending after the debacle. 

Thomas Deng - 5.5

More composed than in midweek but seemed a little casual with his clearances, most of them rolling out straight into danger.

James Donachie - 5.5

Dragged in by the on-two by Nathan Burns which opened up space for Ridenton to almost steal the opener. Poor communication

Stefan Nigro - 6

Some desperate defending ensured Wellington couldn’t heap more pressure on Victory but his positional play would put the Victory defence a step behind as they dealt with the pace of Burns and Krishna.

Matias Sanchez - 5

Wayward passing preventing Victory from maintaining possession at the beginning of the match. Giving way too much space on the edge of the area for the Wellington attackers.

Terry Antonis - 6.5

Passing was much better than in midweek against Ulsan Hyundai. Failed to open the scoring at the back post from Theoharous’ cross.

James Troisi - 6.5

At times in the first half he was anchored with more defensive duties as Victory conceded multiple chances. A lovely floated cross to Athiu for the header snatched the three points.

Jai Ingham - 5.5

Some good buildup to penetrate past Doyle and give Victory their first real sight at goal as Sanchez blocked shot led to a corner. Substituted for Leroy George.

Besart Berisha - 5.5

The ball bounced free just inside the Wellington box as he volleyed at Sail but a great save from the Wellington stopper prevented his 14th of the season. Horribly profligate

Christian Theoharous - 6

Turning this way and that to open up space to cut across goal on multiple occasions. Almost set up the opener but Terry Antonis was too late on the back post.

SUBS

Leroy George - 6.5

Immediately provided a spark for Victory as Theoharous nearly levelled the scores off Goerge’s set piece specialties. Calm from the spot to equalise for Victory and snatch a point.

Carl Valeri - 6

His defensive presence was felt as Victory began to earn more chances to snatch a goal back however Wellington’s flow of chances still came regularly.

Kenny Athiu - 7

Took a great touch to get rid of Fox who brought him down for the penalty for Victory for which Leroy George converted. He truly is King Kenny as he snatched the winner with a header late on.

 

Wellington Phoenix

Oliver Sail - 6

A decent save from a powerful shot from Berisha in the first half kept Wellington in the lead. Confident performance all round from the keeper.

Thoms Doyle - 5

Passing was wayward giving possession away a few times inside his own defensive third. Substituted off for Michael McGlinchey at half-time.

Liberato Cacace - 6.5

A good performance from the 17-year old. Some forays forward which got him into a goal scoring positions to rub salt in the wounds for Victory who were on the back foot after the first goal.

Andrew Durante - 6

Stood strong and tall to deny Berisha chances with the ball at his feet, ensuring he was constantly in the Kosovan’s back.

Dylan Fox - 5

Had no hope of dealing with the sharp feet of Christian Theoharous and needed the help of Andrew Ridenton to defend against the speedster. Only after that were they able to get him under wraps. Gave away the penalty which led to Victory’s equaliser.

Goran Paracki - 6.5

Good performance in midfield with the most completed passes for his side. One of his most dominant performances in midfield for Wellington this season but unfortunately the defensive side of Wellington’s midfield clouded his performance.

Matthew Ridenton - 5

Almost opened the scoring for Wellington as he half volleyed back across goal and it deflected into the arms of Thomas. Missed a on-one-one with Thomas who saved with the legs.

Sarpreet Singh - 5.5

Brilliant close control in the final third to cause massive problems for Victory’s defence which looked wounded from the first moments of the match.

Nathan Burns - 5

Great intricate passing play in the edge of the Victory box to set up Ridenton with a chance in the first half as well as squaring the ball to Krishna who couldn’t convert on the counter attack. A little lazy or indecisive with the runs made in behind.

Matija Lujic - 5

As Wellington eased into the match he found more space in the left channel to exploit behind Nigro and Donachie. Very lazy in the second half

Roy Krishna - 6

Provided some spark for Wellington from the outset but service to the striker was lacking. His passing and hold up play wasn’t the best as Phoenix struggled to make in roads. Through one-one-one but poor dribbling saw the chance wasted.

SUBS

Michael McGlinchey - 5

Offering plenty of pursuits tracking back to defend when Victory were on top in the second half.

Alex Rufer - 1

A kick out at Terry Antonis earns him a straight red after being on the field for only ten minutes.

Logan Rogerson - N/A

Â