Roy ready to roar
Football Federation Australia have launched their “Summer of Heroes” campaign — 45 matches in 28 days (including 15 W-League fixtures) over the busy holiday period. The Wellington Phoenix face one of the more difficult schedules in that time, playing six games in 27 days, including four in Australia, with two of those against the in-form Melbourne Victory. The compressed schedule is a result of the FFA falling into line with Fifa’s international breaks which has long been a contentious issue for the Nix. They will take heart from their recent efforts, particularly the form of favourite son Roy Krishna. Named in the A-League’s team of the week for the past two rounds, Krishna has been pivotal in their improved showings. He scored two against Sydney FC and chimed in with two assists in the win over Central Coast. First spotted in New Zealand as a member of Fiji’s team at the 2007 Oceania Under-20 Championships at Trusts Stadium, Krishna was brought to New Zealand by Waitakere United’s then boss Rex Dawkins and has been a fan favourite since. Not wanted initially at the Phoenix under Ricki Herbert, Krishna has thrived to become the club’s leading goal scorer and a vital cog in the team’s attacking machine. The Nix, who have made the A-League playoffs just once in the past six years, are in Melbourne next Friday night and then face Adelaide and Western Sydney away, Central Coast at home, Victory away and Sydney at home in a six-game stint which could define their season. Before that, however, they square off tonight at home against the Brisbane Roar.
A-League, today 7.30pm/9.45pm; tomorrow 7pm;
● Wednesday 9.45pm; Friday 9.45pm.