Melbourne Victory
3
AAMI Park, Melb
Friday, 16 Mar 2012
8:00AM AEDT
0
Wellington Phoenix
 
 
T Velaphi
1
M Foschini
2
F Macedo
3
M Milligan
5
D Ferreira
13
Yellow Card 90'
U Luzardo Santana
0
Sub On 90' Sub Off 80' Sub Off 90'
Goal 11'
M Rojas
11
Sub Off 19'
C Hernández Valverde
0
Sub On 90' Sub Off 80' Sub Off 90'
Goal 11'
J Jeggo
17
Goal 89'
H Kewell
0
Sub On 90' Sub Off 80' Sub Off 90'
Goal 11'
A Thompson
10
A Covic
1
P Franjic
0
Sub On 90' Sub Off 80' Sub Off 90'
Goal 11'
I Cernak
4
Sub On 19'
Goal 58'
J Davis
25
Sub On 80'
Preview: Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Friday 16 March, 2012
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Head-to-head

Played 15: Wins: Victory 7, Phoenix 3, Draws: 5

Previous encounter
Melbourne Victory 3 Wellington Phoenix 1, AAMI Park, December 2011

History:
Melbourne certainly hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Wellington as the Phoenix haven't managed to crack it for a win in the Victorian capital during their Hyundai A-League history. Indeed, Wellington only have three wins to their name against Victory and have beaten them just once since late 2008. It's certainly not a record that will sit well with Ricki Herbert, while his side will be pumped up to atone for their last performance at AAMI Park, where they were thrashed 3-1 by the Melbourne side.

Form:
Past five matches:

Melbourne Victory: WLDLL

Wellington Phoenix: LLWWD

Melbourne's form since Jim Magilton took over from Mehmet Durakovic has been particularly disappointing as the club has recorded just the one win under his watch. Their efforts over the last fortnight with their season on the line have also been underwhelming, especially last weekend when Sydney dominated the Victory despite only achieving a 1-0 result.

Wellington, meanwhile, are shaping as one of the dark horses to win the competition. Currently in fourth on the Hyundai A-League table, two wins from the last two games can secure them a position in the top four and a home final. The Phoenix have won five of their last eight matches, but lost to ladder leaders Central Coast and Brisbane and had to settle for a somewhat fortunate 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart last weekend.

Match Committee:
Melbourne's selection is difficult to assess for this week, given they are out of the finals equation. Jim Magilton has already said that veteran goalkeeper Ante Covic, so impressive throughout this season, will be rested for this encounter as understudy Tando Velaphi is given a chance in his Hyundai A-League debut for the club. The Victory may still be a little undermanned, given that Grant Brebner, Billy Celeski and Adrian Leijer are unavailable through injury while Tom Pondeljak has been let go. But Carlos Hernandez and Matthew Kemp are both back from suspension - Kemp's being an internal one - while veteran defender Rody Vargas is back in the selection frame.

The Phoenix, meanwhile have a much more settled squad. Having been based in Melbourne for the last week, they shouldn't have too many travel issues to worry about and will be boosted by Leo Bertos's return to the side.

Danger men:
Archie Thompson - Thompson hasn't quite been at his best over the last month, but one suspects he has a big performance left in him this season, especially after a proposed loan move to Thailand fell through.

Paul Ifill - The veteran striker has come good in a big way over the last few months after an injury-interrupted opening to the campaign. The Barbadian showed off his predatory instincts in a big way, latching onto a loose ball and firing home a rocket to equalise in last week's 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart.

At the end of the day…
Despite missing out on the finals, Victory coach Jim Magilton will be desperate to finish the season on a couple of positive notes. For starters, with only one win to his name since arriving at the club, a couple of victories will give him some currency in negotiations over his future, while he'll also want some positive momentum to build on heading into the pre-season, especially if he remains in the role. Further to this, he'll also be wanting improved performances from his players in order to make proper judgements over their futures at the club.

All that being said, they're coming up against a resilient Wellington side that has it all to play for over the next few weeks. Boosted by an experienced, core group of players, the Phoenix have match winners across all their lines and have too much to play for against this Melbourne side. That being said, they'll have to deny a history of poor results against Victory if they're to get maximum points.
League Position
 
Top Scorers
 GoalsPensFirstLast
 GoalsPensFirstLast
Discipline
 YellowRedTotal
 YellowRedTotal
To view profiles, please select a player below
1
2
3
5
13
0
11
0
17
0
10
1
0
4
25
0
0
0
0
0
6
17
8
0
21
6
0
6
0
0
93:00 Full time is called with the Melbourne Victory running out 3-0 winners in their final home game of the season.
 
92:30 Ifill receives a yellow card in the dying seconds of the match.
 
90:10 Three minutes will be added onto the second half for stoppages.
 
90:00 Hernandez comes off AAMI Stadium, perhaps for the final time as a Victory player as he is replaced by Franjic.
 
88:50 GOAL VICTORY - Thompson lays it off for Jeggo outside the box. He goes BANG and it comes off the upright and into the back of the net. Victory have it all wrapped up at 3-0.
 
86:50 Davies is already a crowd favourite for the home team in a sign of things to come for the future.
 
83:30 Davies has a chance on debut, but his shot is blocked out for a corner.
 
82:00 Wellington win the corner but once again Velaphi has it covered. It's taken the keeper a long time to get on the park, but he has been good tonight.
 
80:20 Harry Kewell is replaced by 17 year old Julius Davies who makes his A-League debut.
 
75:30 Cernak asks Kewell to move out of the way and he shoots on target forcing Paston to tip it over.
 
74:00 Wellington have tried to get back into this game, but to this stage they have not been able to force their way through.
 
72:50 It has taken nearly 73 minutes, but Thompson has been flagged for offside.
 
70:45 Ward comes on for Sanchez for the Phoenix.
 
65:40 Thompson intercepts the Phoenix defence's poor clearance attempt, but he shoots over.
 
64:20 The Phoenix make a double change with Bertos and Pavlovic coming on for Smith and Greenacre.
 
63:30 Wellington appear to be on course for another fruitless visit to Melbourne. They have not won in 11 visits here.
 
62:00 Wellington is the third Phoenix player booked, this time for his late challenge on Luzardo.
 
57:00 GOAL VICTORY - Thompson with a run down the left. He crosses to Cernak who runs onto it and smashes it low past Paston. Victory lead 2-0.
 
56:00 Hernandez and Thompson combine once again with Thompson having his shot brilliantly saved by Paston. What must Thompson do to score?
 
53:20 Brown takes on and beats two defenders before his shot takes a deflection. The corner goes to Brown but he is outnumbered by the Victory defence.
 
51:20 Ifill takes the set piece. He keeps it low and Velaphi gets down to make the save.
 
48:00 The foul count sees Wellington on 12 and Melbourne Victory on 3.
 
46:55 Lochhead's cross to Brown is pinpoint perfect. The same can't be said for Brown's header which is well over after he jumped too early.
 
45:01 The second half is underway with the Phoenix kicking off.
 
45:00 Half-time is called with the Victory playing their best half of football for the season. It should have been more, but they lead 1-0 at half-time.
 
44:57 Fabio shoots from a tight angle but Paston has the angles right.
 
44:55 Three minutes to be added onto the first half.
 
43:30 Like a pick pocket, Thompson gets around Sigmund and chips a charging Paston, but he shoots wide. He really should have knocked that one in.
 
41:30 Lochhead grabs a handful of Kewell's shirt and receives the bonus of the yellow card for his actions.
 
40:20 Hernandez with a brilliant pass to Cernak, whose shot lacks the power to beat Paston.
 
37:40 Brown runs onto the loose ball before shooting to the low right corner. Velaphi makes a brilliant save. Corner to Phoenix.
 
36:30 Victory have been dogged in their desire for the ball tonight.
 
34:20 Tim Brown knows how to score against the Victory. On this occasion his header goes wide under pressure from Foschini.
 
32:20 Victory storm through on the counter courtesy of Kewell. He finds Thompson who dances one way then the other before hitting the upright. Unbelievable!
 
28:55 Wellington slowly getting back into the game after the stunning Hernandez goal.
 
25:00 Lia is the first player to be issued with the yellow card tonight after his stomp on Foschini.
 
21:00 Hernandez looks to be having his own football out there. Getting through two tackles before his toe poke is off target.
 
19:00 Rojas has signed off for the night appearing to be suffering from concussion. He is replaced by Cernak.
 
18:20 Ifill takes advantage of Lochhead's good pass into position. He turns and shoots, just over. That was so close.
 
16:00 Rojas is on the ground and requiring treatment with the youngster hobbling off the ground.
 
12:50 From the set piece Thompson has the chance to end his goal drought but he heads the Hernandez cross straight to Paston.
 
11:40 If this is Hernandez's last match for Victory, boy has he left us with something to remember him by!
 
10:25 GOAL VICTORY - Thompson centres to Hernandez outside the box. Hernandez doesn't wait for the invitiation. He shoots and it's a beauty! Top corner of the net!
 
10:10 Despite Melbourne Victory not qualifying for finals football the crowd numbers seem to be impressive on a damp Melbourne night.
 
090+03:00 P. Ifill gets yellow.
 
090+02:00 D. Ferreira gets yellow.
 
090:00 P. Franjic enters the game and replaces C. Hernandez.
 
089:00 J. Jeggo has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
 
080:00 J. Davis enters the game and replaces H. Kewell.
 
08:00 Hernandez and Thompson combine but the shot is covered at the near post by Paston.
 
071:00 N. Ward enters the game and replaces Dani Sanchez.
 
065:00 L. Bertos enters the game and replaces A. Smith.
 
064:00 M. Pavlovic enters the game and replaces C. Greenacre.
 
063:00 C. Greenacre gets yellow.
 
058:00 I. Cernak has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
 
05:20 Thompson tries to run onto the loose ball but Paston gets there just in time.
 
041:00 T. Lochhead gets yellow.
 
025:00 V. Lia gets yellow.
 
02:30 Rojas is looking to make a statement against his former team as is Vince Lia.
 
019:00 I. Cernak enters the game and replaces M. Rojas.
 
011:00 C. Hernandez has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
 
00:01 Welcome to AAMI Park for what could be the farewell game for Carlos Hernandez.
Home Team Statistic Away Team
3 Goals 0
0 Shots 0
0 Shots Off 0
0 Corners 0
0 Offside 0
0 Fouls 0
1 Yellows 4
0 Reds 0
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: C. Beath
To view profiles, please select a player below
1
2
3
5
13
0
11
0
17
0
10
1
0
4
25
0
0
0
0
0
6
17
8
0
21
6
0
6
0
0
Phoenix slip against Victory
Wellington's chances of hosting a home final have been put under threat after the Phoenix lost to Melbourne Victory for the third time this season, 3-0, at AAMI Park on Friday night.

With Victory already out of the hunt, they had nothing to play for, but it was the Phoenix, five points clear in the race for a home final, who could not get a foothold in their game.

As if to taunt those who still believe Victory could match it with the league's best, the home side took Phoenix apart, prevailing thanks to an 11th-minute rocket from Carlos Hernandez, a 58th-minute tap-in for Isaka Cernak and a first goal for James Jeggo.

In truth, the scoreline should have been much more lopsided with Archie Thompson, who set up all three goals, somehow unable to put away any of the dozen or so chances which came his way.

But the veteran striker's disappointment will pale in comparison to that of Ricki Herbert, who saw his team's three-match unbeaten run pricked in emphatic fashion.

Phoenix, who have not beaten Victory in Melbourne in eight attempts, could see both Newcastle and Melbourne Heart move within two points of them in fourth spot with one match, against Central Coast in Wellington, remaining.

After a relatively quiet first 10 minutes, the match burst to life with a superb Hernandez strike. Fabio won the ball in a dangerous position and moved it quickly to Thompson, who put the burly Costa Rican in the clear.

His 25m effort was crisp and left Mark Paston no chance to save, setting the tone for Victory's domination for the half.

Thompson had two chances to extend the lead in the space of a minute, by both his header from a Hernandez free kick and another effort from open play went straight at the Phoenix stopper.

Paul Ifill put the first scare through the Victory defence on 19 minutes with a powerful shot which just went wide, while the home side were forced into an early change when Marco Rojas came off second best from a collision with Manny Muscat and was replaced by Cernak.

Thompson had two more chances to break his nine-match scoring drought. The first on 32 minutes saw him beat two defenders and Paston only to be denied by the woodwork, while shortly before the half, he cleverly chipped his opponent but spooned a shot wide. Paston also denied Cernak.

Tim Brown did his best to restore parity for the Phoenix, heading wide from a cross and then hitting a long effort which took Tando Velaphi's best effort to keep out.

Brown resumed his fruitless flirtation with the back of the net after the break, spurning a free header which would prove the Phoenix's best chance to get back in the game.

Victory resumed their domination of the match and while Harry Kewell fired over and Thompson was once again denied by Paston despite a great set-up from Hernandez, the second goal came 13 minutes after the break.

Jeggo's clever pass set Thompson free down the right and he hit a low flat cross which Cernak was there to meet at the far post to score.

In a nod to the future, Victory gave prodigiously talented junior Julius Davies a debut, and he almost capped his appearance with a goal, with Ben Sigmund denying the 17-year-old.

But he did play a role in another youngster's fabulous late effort, crossing from Thompson to tee up Jeggo who struck the ball home sweetly in the final stages.

Melbourne Victory 3 (Hernandez 11, Cernak 58, Jeggo 89)
Wellington Phoenix 0
Crowd: 11,231
Home Team Statistic Away Team
3 Goals 0
0 Shots 0
0 Shots Off 0
0 Corners 0
0 Offside 0
0 Fouls 0
1 Yellows 4
0 Reds 0
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: C. Beath
93:00 Full time is called with the Melbourne Victory running out 3-0 winners in their final home game of the season.
 
92:30 Ifill receives a yellow card in the dying seconds of the match.
 
90:10 Three minutes will be added onto the second half for stoppages.
 
90:00 Hernandez comes off AAMI Stadium, perhaps for the final time as a Victory player as he is replaced by Franjic.
 
88:50 GOAL VICTORY - Thompson lays it off for Jeggo outside the box. He goes BANG and it comes off the upright and into the back of the net. Victory have it all wrapped up at 3-0.
 
86:50 Davies is already a crowd favourite for the home team in a sign of things to come for the future.
 
83:30 Davies has a chance on debut, but his shot is blocked out for a corner.
 
82:00 Wellington win the corner but once again Velaphi has it covered. It's taken the keeper a long time to get on the park, but he has been good tonight.
 
80:20 Harry Kewell is replaced by 17 year old Julius Davies who makes his A-League debut.
 
75:30 Cernak asks Kewell to move out of the way and he shoots on target forcing Paston to tip it over.
 
74:00 Wellington have tried to get back into this game, but to this stage they have not been able to force their way through.
 
72:50 It has taken nearly 73 minutes, but Thompson has been flagged for offside.
 
70:45 Ward comes on for Sanchez for the Phoenix.
 
65:40 Thompson intercepts the Phoenix defence's poor clearance attempt, but he shoots over.
 
64:20 The Phoenix make a double change with Bertos and Pavlovic coming on for Smith and Greenacre.
 
63:30 Wellington appear to be on course for another fruitless visit to Melbourne. They have not won in 11 visits here.
 
62:00 Wellington is the third Phoenix player booked, this time for his late challenge on Luzardo.
 
57:00 GOAL VICTORY - Thompson with a run down the left. He crosses to Cernak who runs onto it and smashes it low past Paston. Victory lead 2-0.
 
56:00 Hernandez and Thompson combine once again with Thompson having his shot brilliantly saved by Paston. What must Thompson do to score?
 
53:20 Brown takes on and beats two defenders before his shot takes a deflection. The corner goes to Brown but he is outnumbered by the Victory defence.
 
51:20 Ifill takes the set piece. He keeps it low and Velaphi gets down to make the save.
 
48:00 The foul count sees Wellington on 12 and Melbourne Victory on 3.
 
46:55 Lochhead's cross to Brown is pinpoint perfect. The same can't be said for Brown's header which is well over after he jumped too early.
 
45:01 The second half is underway with the Phoenix kicking off.
 
45:00 Half-time is called with the Victory playing their best half of football for the season. It should have been more, but they lead 1-0 at half-time.
 
44:57 Fabio shoots from a tight angle but Paston has the angles right.
 
44:55 Three minutes to be added onto the first half.
 
43:30 Like a pick pocket, Thompson gets around Sigmund and chips a charging Paston, but he shoots wide. He really should have knocked that one in.
 
41:30 Lochhead grabs a handful of Kewell's shirt and receives the bonus of the yellow card for his actions.
 
40:20 Hernandez with a brilliant pass to Cernak, whose shot lacks the power to beat Paston.
 
37:40 Brown runs onto the loose ball before shooting to the low right corner. Velaphi makes a brilliant save. Corner to Phoenix.
 
36:30 Victory have been dogged in their desire for the ball tonight.
 
34:20 Tim Brown knows how to score against the Victory. On this occasion his header goes wide under pressure from Foschini.
 
32:20 Victory storm through on the counter courtesy of Kewell. He finds Thompson who dances one way then the other before hitting the upright. Unbelievable!
 
28:55 Wellington slowly getting back into the game after the stunning Hernandez goal.
 
25:00 Lia is the first player to be issued with the yellow card tonight after his stomp on Foschini.
 
21:00 Hernandez looks to be having his own football out there. Getting through two tackles before his toe poke is off target.
 
19:00 Rojas has signed off for the night appearing to be suffering from concussion. He is replaced by Cernak.
 
18:20 Ifill takes advantage of Lochhead's good pass into position. He turns and shoots, just over. That was so close.
 
16:00 Rojas is on the ground and requiring treatment with the youngster hobbling off the ground.
 
12:50 From the set piece Thompson has the chance to end his goal drought but he heads the Hernandez cross straight to Paston.
 
11:40 If this is Hernandez's last match for Victory, boy has he left us with something to remember him by!
 
10:25 GOAL VICTORY - Thompson centres to Hernandez outside the box. Hernandez doesn't wait for the invitiation. He shoots and it's a beauty! Top corner of the net!
 
10:10 Despite Melbourne Victory not qualifying for finals football the crowd numbers seem to be impressive on a damp Melbourne night.
 
090+03:00 P. Ifill gets yellow.
 
090+02:00 D. Ferreira gets yellow.
 
090:00 P. Franjic enters the game and replaces C. Hernandez.
 
089:00 J. Jeggo has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
 
080:00 J. Davis enters the game and replaces H. Kewell.
 
08:00 Hernandez and Thompson combine but the shot is covered at the near post by Paston.
 
071:00 N. Ward enters the game and replaces Dani Sanchez.
 
065:00 L. Bertos enters the game and replaces A. Smith.
 
064:00 M. Pavlovic enters the game and replaces C. Greenacre.
 
063:00 C. Greenacre gets yellow.
 
058:00 I. Cernak has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
 
05:20 Thompson tries to run onto the loose ball but Paston gets there just in time.
 
041:00 T. Lochhead gets yellow.
 
025:00 V. Lia gets yellow.
 
02:30 Rojas is looking to make a statement against his former team as is Vince Lia.
 
019:00 I. Cernak enters the game and replaces M. Rojas.
 
011:00 C. Hernandez has scored a goal for Melbourne Victory!
 
00:01 Welcome to AAMI Park for what could be the farewell game for Carlos Hernandez.
Home Team Statistic Away Team
3 Goals 0
0 Shots 0
0 Shots Off 0
0 Corners 0
0 Offside 0
0 Fouls 0
1 Yellows 4
0 Reds 0
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: C. Beath
To view profiles, please select a player below
1
2
3
5
13
0
11
0
17
0
10
1
0
4
25
0
0
0
0
0
6
17
8
0
21
6
0
6
0
0
0
M Paston
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
0
M Muscat
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
0
T Lochhead
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
0
B Sigmund
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
0
A Durante
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
6
T Brown
Sub On 71' Sub Off 65'
17
V Lia
Yellow Card 25'
8
P Ifill
Yellow Card 90'
0
C Greenacre
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
21
D Sanchez Andrades
Sub Off 71'
6
A Smith
Sub On 71' Sub Off 65'
0
A Warner
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
6
N Ward
Sub On 71' Sub Off 65'
0
M Pavlovic
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'
0
L Bertos
Sub On 64' Sub On 65' Sub Off 64'
Yellow Card 41' Yellow Card 63'