Etihad Stadium surface a disgrace, says Merrick

 

By , 14 Sep 2009 Guy Hand is a Roar Pro

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Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has launched a blistering attack on his home ground’s playing surface, labelling it “a disgrace” after the club’s A-League title defence continued to stutter on Sunday.

The Victory managed a 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix at Etihad Stadium on Sunday – leaving them with just six points in their first six games and planted firmly in the bottom half of the table.

But while Merrick conceded his side had been inconsistent against the Phoenix, his biggest blast was for the multi-purpose football stadium’s playing surface.

The Victory have spent the past four seasons, including their two championship years, playing out of Etihad Stadium – formerly known as Telstra Dome and also used extensively for AFL.

The stadium also hosted Melbourne Storm’s rugby league qualifying final against Manly 48 hours before the Victory match.

“It’s a disgrace … I think we would be better in the car park actually,” Merrick said of the playing surface.

“It’s baked hard, it’s bumpy as and it certainly doesn’t suit our style of play.”

“It’s pretty poor standard.”

Melbourne haven’t won any of their four home matches so far this season.

But while any pitch problems next season may be ironed out with a planned move of some games to a new rectangular stadium, this season’s on-field bumpiness showed no sign of abating in Sunday’s draw.

The Victory took an early lead through Carlos Hernandez’s thunderous 30-metre free-kick in the fourth minute.

Wellington cancelled that out when Tim Brown finished off a sweeping move on the half-hour – deservedly so after playing brighter football for most of the opening half.

The Phoenix, fielding four players who had arrived just 48 hours before kick-off from New Zealand international commitments in the Middle East, could have taken a lead to halftime.

They were denied by three excellent saves from Victory goalkeeper Glen Moss – his best a diving tip over the bar from Andrew Durante’s goalbound header in the 35th minute.

Both sides had their chances in an even second half without managing to find the net.

Phoenix striker Paul Ifill had arguably the best opportunity in the 60th minute, skilfully beating two defenders before putting his shot across the face of goal.

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert was thrilled with his side’s performance despite a disjointed preparation, and believed a string of wins was not far away.

“I thought we played extremely well given the circumstances, the players away, and I thought we were good enough for three points,” Herbert said.

“We don’t go anywhere with any fear and we certainly set the stall out with today’s game.”

The Victory decided not to risk captain Kevin Muscat, who has missed the past five matches with a hamstring problem.

© AAP 2012
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