Now that the Hyundai A-League Grand Final is done and dusted – and what a day that was – let’s look back at some of the best matches this season.
Now that the Hyundai A-League Grand Final is done and dusted – and what a day that was – let-s look back at some of the best matches this season.
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory R.24 “Brattan-s howitzer”
The Roar looked destined to have to wait another week to secure the premiers plate after being frustrated by a resolute Victory defence in a game dubbed the “Postecoglou Cup”. But with the clock ticking over into stoppage time of a technically brilliant clash, Roar midfielder Luke Brattan picked up the ball 25 metres from goal and unleased a rasping drive which nestled into the bottom corner sending Suncorp Stadium into raptures. Quality game; quality finish to give Roar a 1-0 win.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory R.2 “Technical master-class”
When Ange Postecoglou and Josep Gombau are coaching, expect quality. Victory dominated large periods went 2-0 down after first-half goals from Jeronimo Neumann and a Sergio Cirio penalty. But Victory rallied with Gui Finkler netting a half-volley through a crowd of players in the 72nd minute before James Troisi stole a deserved point in the 93rd minute with a thunderous strike from the penalty spot. Cue massive celebrations on the Victory bench.
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners R.4 “Derby thriller”
Newcastle Jets looked certain to grab maximum points in the first F3 derby of the season after jumping out to a 2-0 lead with a Scott Neville strike and a howler from Mariners keeper Justin Pasfield. But a change of tactics from Graham Arnold got the Mariners right back into the contest and they grabbed a goal back through a Marcos Flores penalty in the 64th minute.The Mariners continued to push for an equaliser and they got their reward in the 80th minute when the ball fell to Mile Sterjovski on the six yard box who smashed the ball home.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory R.5 “Famous win”
Sydney shot out to a 2-0 lead after 15 minutes with goals to Richard Garcia and Seb Ryall before Archie Thompson grabbed one back for the Victory in the 17th minute. The Sky Blues were reduced to 10-men in the 27th minute after fullback Marc Warren was sent off and their pain was compounded when James Troisi-s ensuing free kick deflected in to make it 2-2. But Sydney remarkably regained the lead after Alessandro Del Piero converted a penalty after being felled by Pablo Contreras and the Sky Blues managed to hold on for a dramatic victory. Pedj Bojic-s last gasp game-saving tackle summed up the night for the gutsy Sky Blues.
Melbourne Heart v Newcastle Jets round 15 “Long wait over”
Melbourne Heart-s failure to win a match in the opening fourteen rounds culminated in the sacking of coach John Aloisi and saw former boss John Van-t Schip reinstated as coach. The Heart went into this clash on the back of a 19-match win-less run and faced the ignominy of overtaking the New Zealand Knights with the A-League-s longest run without a win. But a brace from Mate Dugandzic and a strike from Iain Ramsay gave the Heart a much deserved 3-1 victory and laid the platform for a late season revival. Not a classic game but one to savour for all the club-s long-suffering fans.
