Queensland weather intervened to force the cancellation of Brisbane Roar’s clash with Wellington, which handed the Phoenix their first ever win at Suncorp Stadium.
When the match was abandoned in the 73rd minute due to heavy rain making the pitch unplayable, Wellington were deservedly leading 2-1 and that result stood under A-League regulations.
Before conditions ended the contest, Brisbane had taken an early lead through Adrija Kaluderovic only for Wellington to score twice thanks to Michael McGlinchey and the inspirational Nathan Burns.
What they said
“It was probably the right decision, it was getting pretty dangerous out there.” – Phoenix ‘keeper Glen Moss
Goals
Kaluderovic 5’
Given number nine duties for this game, Kaluderovic did exactly what a centre forward is supposed to when he swept the ball home for the opener after Corey Brown had jetted down the left flank and laid it on a platter for him.
McGlinchey 20’
Nathan Burns left five Brisbane defenders in his wake when he embarked on a mesmerising run which began on the right sideline and ended in him setting up McGlinchey for a simple tap in.
Burns 45’
It may have been another easy tap in that earned Burns his 13th goal of the season after Roy Krishna had hit the post, but Wellington’s short passing in the lead up to their second goal was nothing short of brilliant.
Key moment
The Phoenix could be forgiven for having doubts about their own ability to knock off Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium after so many previous failed attempts, especially after going a goal down early.
Burns took it upon himself to drag his side back into the contest, however, and his mazy run to set up Wellington’s opener had a galvanising effect on the whole team. Finally, they believed themselves good enough to raid the Cauldron.
Opta Data
Highlights reel
McGlinchey’s miss from point blank range was so ugly it will surely make the end-of-season blooper compilations.
Roly Bonevacia’s free kick into the box was perfect, but McGlinchey somehow managed so slide it across the face of goal and hit the post.
Coach killer
The monsoonal conditions which enveloped the stadium in the second half effectively robbed the game of any significance in the second half. Brisbane were robbed of an opportunity to try and turn the game around, though on the run of play in the first 45 minutes, Wellington had earned their three points.
The Final Word
It was a bizarre end to an A-League encounter, and that may unfortunately take some of the attention off Wellington’s brilliant efforts to overturn Brisbane’s early lead.
The Phoenix showed why they are perched atop the league ladder, proving their credentials as title contenders.
Teams
Brisbane Roar: Young (gk) Polenz, Brown, Kaluderovic, Donachie, Clut, McKay (c), Brattan, Petratos (Brady 69), Borrello, DeVere.
Wellington Phoenix: Moss (gk), Bonevacia, Boxall, Burns, McGlinchey, Riera, Fenton, Lia, Sigmund, Krishna (Rodriguez 64), Durante (c).
Scorers: Kaluderovic (5’), McGlinchey (20’), Burns (45’)
Red cards: –
Yellow cards: –
Conditions: Heavy rain.
Attendance: 10,075
