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FULLTIME: We are done here! It’s a long away trip for Perth, but ever so sweet as they capture all three points!
The opener from Andy Keogh in the first half was cancelled out by Michael McGlinchey’s timely run and kick for a well-deserved Wellington equaliser. But a final mistake in possession, which had been Wellington’s Achilles Heel all day, had undone their good work, as Jamie Maclaren smashed a late winner past Glen Moss.
FULLTIME: Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Perth Glory
Round 1 of the A-League continues in New Zealand, as Wellington Phoenix host Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 14:45 AEDST.
Both teams will seek to begin season 2014-15 on a bright note following disappointing campaigns last term. Only goal difference separated the two sides as they both ended on 28 points from their 27-game campaign.
After a first up exit in the FFA Cup, Wellington coach Ernie Merrick will target his team’s return to finals football as the major ambition this season.
The recruitment of Nathan Burns and Michael McGlinchey are worthy replacements for the now-departed Leo Bertos and Carlos Hernandez, while Merrick’s goal hopes will once again largely rest on the seasoned Jeremy Brockie, while Kenny Cunningham, who will seek a bumper campaign following his exclusion from Costa Rica’s World Cup squad.
Most concerning for Merrick is the 51 goals the Phoenix shipped last season, which has barely been addressed through the team’s off-season recruitment. The only defensive addition comes in the form of 22-year-old left back Tom Doyle, all which makes clear that Wellington will once again rely on Brockie’s goals to bail them out should their defence go awry.
The man to capitalise for Perth will be former Irish international Andy Keogh, who at 28 can offer the Glory much upfront following successful spells at various English clubs.
Glory coach Kenny Lowe will depend largely on Keogh to lead their teams to better fortunes this season, most notably by influencing their young forward Chris Harold to increase his rate of conversion, following only five goals in 41 games for the club.
Aside from Keogh, Kenny Lowe has made further astute signings in former Socceroos Richard Garcia, Ruben Zadkovich, while the return of Danny Vukovic from loan in Japan adds further strength to the Glory ranks. However, the shrewdest of all signings may come in the form of Youssouf Hersi.
The Dutchman’s arrival from Western Sydney adds further impetus up front, which Keogh and co will be required to capitalise on to drive Perth’s aspirations this season.
As the home side, Wellington will be required to start the campaign with a win, yet the defensive frailties met against Perth’s revitalised attacking line-up may lead to an opening round win for the visitors.
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