Phoenix shock Roar on the road
THE Wellington Phoenix have defied form and history to upset the Brisbane Roar.
The Hyundai A-League strugglers came into the match at Suncorp Stadium last night on the back of three-straight losses and having won just once in Brisbane in almost 10 years.
But they produced a gritty performance to beat the fourth-placed Roar 2-1.
Goals to Shane Smeltz and Roy Krishna either side of halftime sent them on their way to the win, before a backs-to-the-wall defensive display over the last 20 minutes sealed the three points.
It wasn’t the greatest start for the Phoenix when Marco Rossi limped off early in the first half with a hamstring injury, replaced by Dylan Fox. But the excellent Glen Moss would produce a string of saves to ensure his side conceded just one goal.
His first real piece of action was to deny Thomas Broich in a one-on-one chance midway through the half. The Phoenix defence had parted far too easily in the leadup to let the German go free on goal.
Brisbane were the more threatening side at that point, gaining 60 per cent of possession, but were struggling to find a decisive final ball.
It was somewhat against the GETTY IMAGES run of play that Smeltz opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.
It was a wonderful cross from left back Adam Parkhouse to the back post, with questionable Roar defending leaving the Kiwi marksman open for a free header and his 91st A-League goal – going clear second on the all-time scorers list.
Parkhouse was starting the game because regular left back Tom Doyle was stood down for one game, along with Roly Bonevacia and Ryan Lowry, for breaking team protocols. That made the win even more sweet for co-coaches Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre, who stuck to their guns to drop the trio despite this being a must-win match.
Matt Ridenton was the other beneficiary of the trios’ antics, starting in attacking midfield in place of Bonevacia.
The Phoenix started the second half well and produced a good bit of play to go two goals up in the 61st minute.
Smeltz slipped in Kosta Barbarouses down the right side, who played a low first-time cross for Roy Krishna to slam into the bottom corner.
The win lifts the Phoenix to seventh on the ladder, while the Roar remain fourth.