‘King Kenny’ inspires Victory to dramatic late win over battling Phoenix

Melbourne Victory defeated a brave Wellington Phoenix 2-1 with two late goals at AAMI Park on Sunday night.

SEE THE GOALS AND RELIVE THE ACTION IN THE MATCH CENTRE 

Victory pulled it out of the fire with 84th and 87th minutes goals thanks to late subs Leroy George and “King” Kenny Athiu who were Victory’s game changers after Phoenix looked like they may hang on for the win. 

STORY OF THE GAME

  • VICTORY CHANCE Theoharus opens up Phoenix inside the box lays the ball across the six-yard box but Victory unable to capitalise
  • PHOENIX SO CLOSE The visitors with an intricate lead-up, but Ridenton’s finishing lets him down. 
  • OWN GOAL! Wow, it’s Leigh Broxham who tries to clear a ball in the six-yard box and it’s in. 0-1 after 23 mins
  • KEEPERS SHINE Superb stops from Lawrence Thomas and Oliver Sail as the game’s end-to-end action continues
  • KRISHNA SO CLOSE It should be 2-0 but Krishna somehow screws the ball wide after Victory were opened up again
  • HALF TIME 0-1 Excellent Phoenix deserving their lead after an inventive attacking display full of running, while Victory lacking composure in front of goal. 
  • DOUBLE SUB Leroy and Valeri on for Victory just before the hour mark.
  • BERISHA OFF, KENNY ON Muscat looks to his tall striker for inspiration as Bes is withdrawn inside the final 20 mins.
  • THEOHARUS SMASHES OVER BAR The youngster hits a shot over the crossbar 
  • GOAL TO VICTORY! King Kenny taken down in the box and George smashes home an equaliser from the spot on 84 mins. 
  • GOAL TO VICTORY! King Kenny scores what looks like the winner! 2-1 to the hosts after 87 mins. 
  • RUFER RED CARDED! Phoenix down to 10 inside stoppage time. It’s all falling apart for the visitors. 

Burns

GOALS

Broxham (OG) Phoenix 0-1, 23′

After going so close a minute earlier, a Phoenix corner isn’t cleared and Broxham gets it all wrong to screw the ball past Lawrence Thomas. 

George Victory 1-1, 84′

Athiu taken down and George smashes home the equaliser from the spot. Game on! 

Athiu Victory 2-1, 87′

Troisi with a beautiful ball into the box as Athiu dives for the header and he beats Sail, finding the back of the net. What a turnaround!