Melbourne City became the first team in Isuzu UTE A-League history to win three consecutive Premierships after Western United shocked Adelaide United with a 1-0 at Coopers Stadium.
Connor Pain’s first-half goal was the difference, which also keeps their finals hopes alive heading into the remaining fortnight of the season, cutting the deficit to three points behind sixth-placed Sydney FC.
Meanwhile, Adelaide’s 12 game unbeaten run came to a close, losing their first game since early January and only for the second time this season on their home deck.
For City, they take their place in the history books capping off an incredible few seasons that has seen them well and truly dominate the league for the best part of three seasons.
This is the first Premiership won by new boss Rado Vidosic, who took over from Patrick Kisnorbo early in the season after he became manager of Ligue 1 outfit Troyes. Kisnorbo won the first two Premierships in the club’s history in 2021 and 2022, while also delivering them a maiden Championship almost two years ago.
City had the chance to wrap up the Premier’s Plate last night against Central Coast Mariners, but drew in Gosford courtesy of a late goal from Josh Nisbet.
However, their cross-town rivals did them a huge favour, upsetting the league’s form side and ending their hopes of a late push at the Plate. Now, City can begin to turn their attention to the finals, where they will look to go one better than last season after losing the Grand Final to Western.
Before then, Vidosic’s side take on the reigning champions and Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park to round out the regular season.
Western, on the other hand, will be out to knock off City and keep their finals hopes alive at least until the final round of the season where they travel to Western Australia and face Perth Glory.
Two wins may not be enough for Western, who still have to rely on a lot of help to usurp either Sydney FC or Wellington Phoenix on the standings – both three points clear – while Newcastle Jets have their noses ahead of John Aloisi’s side on goal difference.
On the big stage, Young stands up again to keep Western’s finals hopes alive
Jamie Young is no stranger to big performances on the biggest stage.
Last season, his performances in the finals series en route the Championship went down in Isuzu UTE A-League folklore and now, he’s come up big yet again at a crucial juncture of Western United’s campaign.
With Western leading by a goal, the veteran shot-stopper made a number of big stops to keep his side ahead, none more so than denying Nestory Irankunda an equaliser with only minutes to go.
Paramount+ commentator Simon Hill said he celebrated the save like he scored a goal and with good reason, as his stop helped keep their finals hopes alive.
“I wish I had scored a goal,” Young joked post-game.
“Obviously, Nestory has some good feet, some very sharp feet and I came out and tried to make myself as big as I could.
“That time, he hit the ball into me but on another day, he does his tap-ins into the top corner so it was nice to get a save.”
SUNDAY AGENDA
Wellington Phoenix 2-2 Brisbane Roar
Venue: Eden Park
MATCH REPORT: Wasteful Phoenix let chances slip in draw with Brisbane – ‘We had enough to win three or four football matches’
Sydney FC 4-1 Perth Glory
Venue: Allianz Stadium
MATCH REPORT: Sydney FC on the brink of finals berth after sizzling second-half performance sees off Glory
Adelaide United 0-1 Western United
Venue: Coopers Stadium
