Can Heart follow their derby dream at AAMI Park with an Adelaide annihilation and keep the pressure on the leaders?
Melbourne Heart v Adelaide United
Wednesday 4th January, 3.15pm
Can Heart follow their derby dream at AAMI Park with an Adelaide annihilation and keep the pressure on the leaders?
The last time Melbourne Heart turned out at AAMI Park is an occasion that the home fans in the record attendance of 26,579 will never forget. After all, it doesn’t get much better than a magnificent atmosphere, a thrilling roller-coaster of a game and a crucial win over your bitter cross-town rivals.
However, while it was a great boost to the players’ confidence in their bid for silverware, objectively speaking the three points gained against Victory were, of course, no more or less important than any other win. If Heart are going to seriously challenge for honours in the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season, then they must treat every game with the importance of a derby match. So, get along to this midweek battle and sing your Hearts out once more!
If the entertainment and excitement on offer is anything like what occurred the last time fans came through the turnstiles at AAMI Park, then you’d be foolish to miss it.
As the two Melbourne sides went toe-to-toe, there were five goals and non-stop thrills amid an incredible atmosphere. Victory missed an early penalty but still went ahead through Archie Thompson’s lob. However, as they looked to turn the screw, Matt Thompson struck twice before the break to give the hosts the edge.
It was the springboard Heart needed and, in the second-half, they never looked back as substitute Alex Terra sealed the deal and sent the legions of Red & White supporters into raptures.
While Carlos Hernandez gave everyone a few nervous moments with his late goal, John van’t Schip’s men held strong to spark scenes of wild celebration.
Adelaide United won’t be relishing a journey to Melbourne, as their away form has been poor so far in the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season. However, while they are still to grab a win on their travels, they will take heart from the fact that their last away game resulted in a very impressive 2-2 draw at Sydney Football Stadium.
On another day, they could have come away with all three points after twice being in front but, in the end, the courage and spirit they showed when down to ten men and facing a barrage from the home side will serve them well as they take on one of this season’s strongest teams. If they can perform with the same resolve on Wednesday, there is no reason why United can’t come away with at least a point. Indeed, they have already secured a draw against Heart this season. In Week Five, the two sides played out a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate at Hindmarsh Stadium.
This match-up is sure to be a belter, so get along to AAMI Park and show your support. It’s easy to create an atmosphere in a derby game, but now it’s time to prove that you can do it week in, week out. Get your ticket today an prepare to make some serious noise!
