Sarkies breaks duck, Victory rides luck
Monday, 08 January 07, 08:09 AM · Comments(0)
Melbourne finished off Round 19 of the A-League with a come-from-behind draw away at Perth Glory. Down 2-0 at half time, young midfielder Kristian Sarkies stepped up and claimed his first two goals for the club, including one from a free kick. It was a surprising fightback from a team that was for all intensive purposes, the reserves, in a dead rubber. It’s pleasing to know that the change in attitude towards working hard for the full 90 minutes has spread through every member of the squad, that’s what a winning culture does.
Despite drawing, Melbourne managed to increase their lead on top of the A-League yet again, this time to 17 points, after results in the other three matches conspired to make things even tighter in the chase for finals places. Now there are two weeks to go, and Adelaide getting rolled at home by Queensland, while Sydney suffered the ultimate humiliation going down at home to New Zealand, means spots 2-5 on the table are still interchangeable. Central Coast will be home to New Zealand, and the Mariners are one of the few sides who prior to the last month had difficulty against the Knights – but their finals chances are by no means over.
The table reads:
Melbourne 45, Sydney 28, Adelaide 27, Newcastle 26, Queensland 25, Central Coast 23, Perth 19, New Zealand 15.
During the week Sydney elected not to challenge the FFA’s penalty of a 3 point deduction (and fine) for mismanagement of the salary cap. However, today’s loss against New Zealand was a far more embarrassing denial of three points than any off-field penalty.
The story of Melbourne’s weekend was with its fans. Members of the Victory Supporters Forum coming together for a series of friendly matches. It was an interesting opportunity to put names to faces. You can hear my audio summary of the day by downloading this file.
Next week, Melbourne play their final home game of the regular season, against the Queensland Roar. At this early stage it’s hard to say exactly what approach Melbourne will take, Queensland’s desperation will be obvious.
Until next time, enjoy your football.
Despite drawing, Melbourne managed to increase their lead on top of the A-League yet again, this time to 17 points, after results in the other three matches conspired to make things even tighter in the chase for finals places. Now there are two weeks to go, and Adelaide getting rolled at home by Queensland, while Sydney suffered the ultimate humiliation going down at home to New Zealand, means spots 2-5 on the table are still interchangeable. Central Coast will be home to New Zealand, and the Mariners are one of the few sides who prior to the last month had difficulty against the Knights – but their finals chances are by no means over.
The table reads:
Melbourne 45, Sydney 28, Adelaide 27, Newcastle 26, Queensland 25, Central Coast 23, Perth 19, New Zealand 15.
During the week Sydney elected not to challenge the FFA’s penalty of a 3 point deduction (and fine) for mismanagement of the salary cap. However, today’s loss against New Zealand was a far more embarrassing denial of three points than any off-field penalty.
The story of Melbourne’s weekend was with its fans. Members of the Victory Supporters Forum coming together for a series of friendly matches. It was an interesting opportunity to put names to faces. You can hear my audio summary of the day by downloading this file.
Next week, Melbourne play their final home game of the regular season, against the Queensland Roar. At this early stage it’s hard to say exactly what approach Melbourne will take, Queensland’s desperation will be obvious.
Until next time, enjoy your football.
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AusTeo
Melbourne, AU
This is the regular column for the Melbourne Victory of Australia. The Victory is currently defending the A-League title and will play Asian Champions League at the end of the domestic campaign. There will also be the odd comment about the fortunes of the Australian national team.
