In a highly entertaining first-half, the pacey Melbourne Victory attack of Kosta Barbarouses and James Troisi were well supported by Elvis Kamsoba working hard in the final third with his speed and energy.

For Wellington Phoenix, Louis Fenton found plenty of space down the right-hand side, supplying dangerous balls into the six- yard area, but Thomas Deng was immense and the pick of Victory’s defensive trio.

Nix goalkeeper Filip Kurto spread himself big, saving with his left-leg to deny Kenny Athiu who should have put the visitors one-nil up, after trying to right foot his shot into the left-hand side of Kurto’s net.

Second-half kicked off, much like the first-half finished: explosive and full of energy from both teams. A powerful volley from Krishna smashed into the top of the net giving Lawrence Thomas no chance and putting the Nix ahead  on 57 minutes.

Ten minutes later Leigh Broxham who was finding space all game, was rewarded with another terrific run into the box. Sandwiched between Fenton and Krishna he earned Victory a penalty, which Keisuke Honda coolly slotted home to level the scores.

Wellington Phoenix

Filip Kurto – 8

Quality save early on, spread himself big to prevent Victory snatching the opener. Another classy save with his right-hand.  Sent the wrong way by Honda’s penalty kick.

Steven Taylor – 7

Read the play well in defence. Solid and strong in defence

Andrew Durante – 8

Solid in defence, always looking to close down Victory’s attack. Tracked back with composure and pace. Big game player who put in a big game performance.

Michal Kopczynski – 7

Stood strong in defence and was calm and composed. Read the play exceptionally well.

Louis Fenton – 7

Found plenty of space to provide good weighted crosses into the box. Tracked back well in defence.

Liberato Cacace – 7

Put some delightful balls into the area. Good balance when on the ball. Kept running throughout the match.

Alex Rufer – 7

Good weighted pass but needs more composure though. A decent game.

Mandi Sosa – 6.5

Sliced up Victory’s defence with superbly weighted pass but faded in and out of the match. Subbed in the 88th minute.

Sarpreet Singh – 7.5

Worked hard up front and used his pace to press Victory’s defence. Always looked dangerous with his silky skills.

Roy Krishna – 7

Often dropped deep to pick up the ball, and looking to press forward when he could. Quiet in the first-half but proved pivotal after the break, powering home his volley for the opener. Brilliant run late in the second-half, tired legs maybe for a poor cross.

David Williams – 7.5

Switched the play extremely well. Worked hard outside the twelve yard line. Good strength when holding the ball up. Showed fantastic pace before being subbed in the 77th minute.

SUBS

Cillian Sheridan – 6.5

Decent impact and well weighted touch line pass. Powerful heading in defence and gave the Nix good height. Lively with some nice direct runs into the box.

Max Burgess – 6

N/A not on long enough to rate.

Melbourne Victory

Lawrence Thomas – 8

Couldn’t do anything about Roy Krishna’s volley. Fantastic save to deny Krishna a second. Good commanding game between the sticks.

Storm Roux – 6.5

Perfect start in defence, strong and solid but failed to control the ball in the penalty area leading to the opening goal.

Thomas Deng – 7.5

Confident and solid defending. Put his body in the way and was on alert throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Georg Niedermeier – 7

Another one of Victory defenders who put in a strong performance. Subbed in the 55th minute.

Leigh Broxham – 8

Foubd himself with ample space to pick his passes and worked hard to supply his attackers. Terrific run into the box was rewarded with a penalty. Not his normal position but had a superb game.

Raul Baena – 7

Putting himself about working hard in the middle of the park.

Anthony Lesiotis – 7

Solid tackling, worked hard. Subbed in the 55th minute

James Troisi – 7.5

Always dangerous in the final third, looking the killer ball. Pressed forward with pace and worked well with Barbarouses.

Elvis Kamsoba – 7.5

Good defensive work. First time balls spot on. Explosive pace terrorised the Nix defence. Always looking to create space. Had a terrific performance and was Man of the Match.

Kosta Barbarouses – 7.5

Lively down the flanks with quick feet and some nice twist and turns. Crossed the ball perfectly into the six-yard area.

Kenny Athiu – 7

Should have done better with his first clear attempt on goal. Powerful shot early in the second-half. Made himself big presence when attacking.

SUBS

Keisuke Honda – 6.5

Dispatched the penalty with ease, sending the keeper the wrong way. Quality touch when controlling the ball, pulling it dead on his feet. The way he can shift his weight when running at defenders with the ball at his feet – simply sublime.

James Donachie – 6

Allowed Sarpreet Singh to cross the ball, didn’t close him down quickly enough. Hand ball for his troubles deep in the final third.