The battle for points and finals spots in the A-League heats up with Wellington Phoenix travelling to Brisbane Roar in the last game of round 21. We’ll have live scores and commentary right here from 5.00pm AEDT.
Eighth-placed Brisbane, fresh off a heartbreaking loss in Thailand on Wednesday night in an Asian Champions League qualifier, will be gunning to secure the three points required to bring them closer to sixth place and a finals spot.
Wellington, just one point behind Brisbane, is struggling with a negative 15 goal differential and will need a dramatic turnaround in order to save their season, and perhaps the comeback will start tonight.
Both teams haven’t looked strong lately, with the Phoenix being roughed-up last week against the Mariners, losing 5-0.
Brisbane also lost their last A-League match against Sydney 2-1, then lost on penalties to Thai champions Buriram United, dropping out of the ACL in the process.
Brisbane was also the site of the last clash between these two teams, which the Roar won 2-1 thanks to a stellar performance from Thomas Broich.
The Roar had ten shots on target in that game, forcing All Whites keeper Mark Paston into seven saves (he now leads the league with 61 total saves).
Since their last game seven weeks ago, both teams have only won once in this competition, streaks that included three consecutive losses.
One positive (at least, for Roar fans) is that forward Besart Berisha has scored three times in two weeks and was on the scoresheet last time they faced Wellington.
The hope for Wellington fans might be found in new loan signing Corey Gameiro after it was reported he will play out the rest of the season for Wellington, imported from Fulham via Dutch club FC Eindhoven.
Gameiro has also capped for the Australian Under-21 side, and will be needed as top goalscorer Jeremy Brockie is suspended for this match.
Wellington coach Ricki Herbert is definitely on the hot seat after calls from former All Whites to replace him, and Herbert seems to be the prime target after last-placed Perth Glory removed coach Ian Ferguson earlier this week.
Herbert has been the coach since the club’s inception in 2007 and has taken them to three straight finals appearances.
No prizes for whom to keep your eye on in this game. Besart Berisha (Brisbane) leads his team with 11 goals and nobody else on the pitch has more than three goals next to their name.
Also expect a fine sample of goalkeeping with the A-League’s top two keepers (in terms of saves) between the posts tonight.
Weather prediction is for a fine summer’s afternoon with no chance of rain and a moderate breeze, so select your preferred beverage and enjoy this fixture by following us right here.
Ballymore
Guest
Good to see if you've indentified the most critical issue facing Brisbane Roar.
Ballymore
Guest
Taking the sign was absolutely abhorrent.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Brisbane had the advantage in possession the entire game but it was two good finishes that sealed the game. Wellington could draw a lot of positives from the second half in which they created good chances and probably played the better football. Glen Moss didn't have much of a chance on either goal but wasn't forced into many breathtaking saves either; it'll be interesting to see if he or Paston gets the run the rest of the way. Wellington are against Adelaide next Sunday, while Brisbane match up against Newcastle on Friday night. Thanks for joining us for live commentary, hope you enjoyed the game (the second half, at least)!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar The referee blows the whistle and the home crowd halfheartedly cheers. Goals to Lustica and Berisha either side of halftime were the difference as Wellington did not have the class in the final third to put one of their many chances away (looking at you, Tyler Boyd). Brisbane goes into eighth spot now and has the chance to move into the finals. Wellington, on the other hand, are simply running out of weeks to start their much-needed comeback and things will get a fair bit more desperate after wins by Perth and Brisbane this week.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Agreed! If you don't like copping clean stick from your fans work on the causes.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
90' + 3 Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar The game comes to a soft close with Brisbane content to heave the ball into the unmarked corners and Wellington unable to keep it long enough to bring it back up the field. Both coaches could get something out of this game but it's obvious neither team are having their best year.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
90' + 1 Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Berisha is now removed for Yeboah, who was a late addition to the squad. Berisha is well deserving of a break are playing hurt most of the game and finishing nicely when given the chance. Three minutes of extra time.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Don't worry Brisbane! Not even much maligned Mulvey could screw this up now!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
89' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Huysegems almost releases Lochhead into the box but it rolls just inches past his outstretched foot. Wellington have just lost their structure in attack now and it's unlikely with only a few minutes to go that they'll challenge here.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
86' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar An interesting decision from Theo to challenge his own man for a header isn't capitalised on by Gameiro who weakly the hit ball on the volley towards the goal. Brisbane are all back in defense now.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
83' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Sanchez gets a weak header on target but Wellington are looking quite good in attack, which begs the question, what on earth were they doing in the first half? Sanchez earns a yellow for a challenge from behind on Luke Brattan.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
82' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Glen Moss came charging out halfway down the field to meet Cory Brown who was set free down the field with a lovely through ball - fortunately for Nix fans Wellington were able to scramble back and cover.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
80' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Muscat drives a shot wide of the target as the game enters the final ten minutes of regulation time. Both teams with one change remaining.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
78' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Brisbane earns a second corner as Brown comes on for Jade North, who has had a really solid game in defense. Seems like Mulvey wants to get some fresh legs in defense there. Corner is cleared easily by Wellington.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
77' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Nijland botches a really good chance in the box as Wellington were left open at the back. If he struck it with his left foot he would've have a much better chance.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
Unless the sign is racially or socially offensive there really shouldn't be any reason to take it down.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
74' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar To nobodies surprise Sigmund earns a yellow card for a foul on Berisha, who is now in a constant grimace. Brisbane's resulting free kick is headed away by Sigmund.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Well done Commentators for supporting the RCC over the "Mulvey Out" banner! Don't agree with the message but totally agree it should not be controlled like that! kudos to the Den for lending their backing.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
73' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar A rare offside in this game gives the Roar the chance to remove Murdoca. Nijland comes on, looking to take back possession of the game for the Roar.
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
70' Wellington Phoenix 0 – 2 Brisbane Roar Brisbane replies with a chance of their own with a good bit of skill from Halloran, controlling the ball with all parts of his body and working a shot off, which went high. Twenty minutes to go.