We take a look back at one the most enthralling rounds of Season 9, where the Heart continued their resurgence and the Victory claimed the spoils in the match of the season.
We take a look back at one the most enthralling rounds of Season 9, where the Heart continued their resurgence and the Victory claimed the spoils in the match of the season.
Central Coast 1 Wellington Phoenix 4
Round 20 opened with a bang on Friday night, with Wellington producing a sensational second half to dismantle the Mariners.
With both teams coming off chastening defeats, it seemed the Mariners were set to continue their good record against the Nix on home soil after Bernie Ibini opened the scoring.
However the half-time break served Wellington well, with the reborn Carlos Hernandez leading his side to a four goal blitz.
Testament to the dazzling nature of the performance, Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick showed rare signs of emotion, engaging in some quality banter with the travelling supporters after the final whistle, taking up the offer of a free beer.
Newcastle Jets 0 Sydney FC 2
After completing the clean sweep against Brisbane the week previous, the tables were turned on Newcastle, who are the bunny of Sydney FC this season.
The fixture is fast becoming like Groundhog Day, with 2-0 being the score line in the last three clashes between the pair.
Alessandro Del Piero relishes fixtures against the men from the Hunter, scoring his fourth goal against the club, whilst also providing the assist to Sasa Ognenovski-s opener.
Newcastle were not without their chances, but will rue a lack of creativity in the final third, despite a glut of possession.
Melbourne Victory 4 Adelaide United 3
The match of the season so far.
Only Victory supporters were happy to see the final whistle, with neutrals all hoping the contest could continue for hours.
These two rivals rarely disappoint, and with Gui Finkler and Sergio Cirio taking personal responsibility to start the shoot-out as the duo netted five goals between them.
There were star performances all over the pitch in an absorbing contest that whetted the appetite for a potential clash in the finals.
Perth Glory 0 Western Sydney Wanderers 2
Tony Popovic-s rotation policy throughout the season beared its fruit in this contest.
Missing a plethora of key players ahead of Asian Champions League commitments this week, all five of the inclusions into the Wanderers XI played vital roles in the win.
Youngster Kwabena Appiah excelled on the right wing, whilst goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson made an accomplished debut for the club, a performance that was rewarded withTeam of the Week selection.
The Glory weren-t without their moments dominating possession, but a lack of attacking firepower was evident, as they only forced three saves from Tyson from 14 shots.
A howler from William Gallas that gifted a goal to Tomi Juric summed up the Glory-s recent run, that sees them lying at the foot of the table.
Melbourne Heart 2 Brisbane Roar 0
All aboard the Melbourne Heart bandwagon.
The inform side in the competition are charging from 10 lengths back, looking to earn a spot in the finals, something that seemed a mere fantasy only weeks ago.
The influence of Dutch recruit Orlando Engelaaar can-t be undersold, with the hulking midfielder dominating contest after contest as he makes a return from a broken leg suffered in pre-season.
John Van-t Schip has given confidence to his players and they are repaying his trust with 16 points from their last six matches.
In contrast the Roar have only taken one point from their past three fixtures, blowing a chance to all but secure the Premiers Plate.