Melbourne Victory ease past Phoenix

Melbourne Victory have won their third game of the season easing past the Wellington Phoenix with a comfortable 3-1 win at Aami Park.

Victory made a dream start to the contest, as it took the home side four minutes to open the scoring. Billy Celeski delivered a wonderful cross from the left, finding an unmarked Archie Thompson who headed his fifth goal of the A-League season.

The hosts had a huge appeal for a penalty denied as Harry Kewell was brought down by Griffiths, referee Matt Gillett however saw otherwise, booking the marquee signing for diving.

With twenty-two minutes gone, Melbourne doubled its advantage with luck playing a huge role as an attempted cross by Carlos Hernandez was deflected of Vince Lia, leaving Warner stranded to his line. Phoenix chances of gaining anything from this contest were made more difficult in the twenty-fifth minute as Diogo Ferreira unleashed a powerful volley which sailed past Tony Warner to hand the home side a 3-0 lead.

Victory could have easily scored a fourth, as an in-form Thompson was played through by Hernandez, with only Warner to beat, the strikers effort was straight at Warner.
Phoenix was in need of a huge improvement in the second half if they were to have any chance of a remarkable comeback.

The second half began as the first finished, with the home side on the attack early this time Hernandez was left with only the keeper to beat, with many expecting a fourth for the afternoon the Costa Rican international somehow miss-kicked his effort.

Victory continued to create plenty of opportunities, with Harry Kewell heavily involved. The Socceroo international had two chances in the space of two minutes, including a brilliant play which he easily disposed of four Phoenix defenders, his final touch however continues to let him down.

It was not all well for the Victory though, as they had to complete the last fifteen minutes with only ten-men following the dismissal of Billy Celeski after he earned his second yellow of the evening.

The Phoenix faithful were given something to cheer about in the 85th minute as Alex Smith found the back of the net with a wonderful curling effort with the outside of his right foot after easily disposing of Fabio.

At the final whistle, the Victory faithful were in full voice after a convincing display all around and a well- earned three points over Wellington Phoenix.


The Football Sack ‘Player of the Year’ votes
3 Carlos Hernandez
2 Archie Thompson
1 Harry Kewell

MV – Ante COVIC, Matthew FOSCHINI, Petar FRANJIC, Leigh BROXHAM, Archie THOMPSON (Marco ROJAS 76th min), Diogo FERREIRA, Billy CELESKI, Carlos HERNANDEZ (Daniel ALLSOPP 71st min), Harry KEWELL (Isaka CERNAK 82nd min), Adrian LEIJER. Subs not used – Lawrence THOMAS.

WP – Anthony WARNER, Manny MUSCAT, Brent GRIFFITHS (Daniel CORTES 64th min), Tim BROWN, Leo BERTOS, Chris GREENACRE (Mirjan PAVLOVIC 64th min), Nick WARD (Dani SANCHEZ Dani SANCHEZ 67th min), Vince LIA, Ben SIGMUND, Andrew DURANTE, Alex SMITH. Subs not used – Mark PASTON.