The away side took the lead in the 20th minute and looked to be cruising to victory after Bruno Fornaroli’s wonder strike. The Nix had other ideas.

Playing for pride and trying to avoid the wooden spoon, a Sarpreet Singh-inspired Wellington came back to triumph 2 – 1 at the QBE Stadium in Auckland. The promising 19-year-old scored a brace with a well taken first and then a second which took a big deflection.

Wellington Phoenix

Oliver Sail – 6

A couple of nervy moments for the young custodian although he looked pretty comfortable for most of the game. Could do nothing to stop Fornaroli’s strike.

Scott Galloway – 6

City chose to exploit Wellington’s left more than their right in the first half meaning Galloway didn’t have too much to deal with. That didn’t really change in the second period.

Andrew Durante – 6

A solid performance by the veteran, who marshalled his defence well for most of the game. Did well to sweep things up when the ball was played in behind.

Dylan Fox – 5.5

It was always going to be tough for the inexperienced defender up against one of the league’s elite in Fornaroli. He struggled to contain the Uruguayan when he had his back to goal although he shouldn’t be too disappointed with his performance.

Liberato Cacace – 7.5

An outstanding performance by the young fullback who continues to showcase his potential. Struggled early on against the tricky Arzani but going forward he was very influential, with a couple of driving runs into the penalty area and good combination play with Singh down the left.

 

Goran Paracki – 5.5

Was chasing shadows for most of the first half as City got on top in the midfield. However, in the second with the help of his teammates the Croatian improved.

Michael McGlinchey – 6

As a player who likes to be on the ball, it was a tough first half for McGlinchey as Wellington conceded lots of possession. But once again as the Nix got on top in the second he improved and began to dictate things.

Matija Ljujic – 6.5

Struggled in the first half without his usual partner in crime Andrija Kaludjerovic up front. But as the home side started to dictate things in the second half he began to find pockets of space and cause City problems.

Nathan Burns – 5

Another disappointing outing for the former Socceroo who was ineffective and scarcely involved. Even when Wellington got on top he still couldn’t make an impact.

Roy Krishna – 6.5

A frustrating day at the office for the Fijian, who was left isolated for much of the game. However, he decided to come deeper to receive the ball and was unlucky not to have one or two to his name in the second half.

Sarpreet Singh – 8

A man of the match display by the young Kiwi whose brace won it for the hosts. Took his first goal with real class and swagger and took a gamble by shooting for the second. Definitely one to watch next season if he stays.

SUBS

Matthew Ridenton – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Marco Rossi – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Logan Rogerson – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

 

Melbourne City

Dean Bouzanis – 6.5

Was a passenger for much of the first half, only having to make an excellent reflex save to deny Krishna from close range. Was solid when called upon in the second period and prevented Greenacre’s side from extending their lead.

Nathaniel Atkinson – 6

Showed great willingness to get forward and provide crosses as well as keep Burns quiet. However, his end product was poor and will need to improve.

Bart Schenkeveld – 6

Not the Dutch defender’s worst display, although definitely not his best. Coped with the likes of Krishna and Burns well in the first half but was run ragged in the second. 

Osama Malik – 5.5

A similar display to Schenkeveld’s, although slightly worse as he was sloppy when coming out of defence in possession and didn’t cover for Atkinson down the right hand side.

Scott Jamieson – 5.5

Did well to free himself up as a outlet going forward in the first half, although as City dropped deeper in the second his influence fizzled out.

Luke Brattan – 6.5

Dictate things really well in the first half although for some reason him and Bozanic began to drop deeper and deeper and invite pressure from Wellington in the second half.

Daniel Arzani – 6

Started off with his usual flair and excitement as he bamboozled Cacace for the opening twenty minutes. However, the Kiwi fullback stuck to his task well and began to frustrate young Arzani who ran out of ideas.

Stefan Mauk – 5

Struggled to find space and get on the ball, even in the first half when City were controlling the game. Will need to be better for the finals.

Oliver Bozanic – 6.5

A similar display to Brattan as he kept City ticking going forward in the first half. But also invited Phoenix pressure in the second period and was given the run around by Ljujic at times.

Dario Vidosic – 5.5

Started well by combining with Jamieson and Bozanic down the left hand side, but that was as good as it got. Was well marshalled by Galloway in the second period but he should’ve equalised with a close range header right at the death.

Bruno Fornaroli – 6

A decent performance by the Uruguayan, who opened the scoring with a thunderous curling effort in the 20th minute. His trademark back to goal style of play was well and truly on display ad he caused problems for Fox in particular.

SUBS

Nick Fitzgerald – 5.5

Failed to provide the desired spark off the bench.

Manny Muscat – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Harrison Delbridge – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.