Melbourne Heart and their embattled coach John Aloisi defied the A-League form book to earn a 1-1 draw against second-placed Western Sydney on Saturday at Parramatta Stadium.
Without a win outside Melbourne since October last year, the bottom-placed Heart went ahead through David Williams, with the Wanderers’ Aaron Mooy equalising just before halftime to ensure the spoils were shared.
Although the Wanderers finished strongly, they created only a handful of clear-cut chances, slipping five points behind leaders Brisbane Roar.
The draw was a major positive for Aloisi with the Heart also buoyed by the long-awaited return of Harry Kewell who made a 20-minute second-half appearance following an eight-week absence.
There was controversy in the first half with a shot cleared off the line by Wanderers fullback Aziz Behich with the ball at least partly over the chalk.
But it was the Heart who took a shock lead as Williams’ cross from the right flank eluded defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley and goalkeeper Ante Covic to nestle inside the far post.
The Wanderers drew level a minute before halftime when Mooy was, not for the first time, allowed too much latitude on the edge of the penalty area and the midfielder duly rifled home a low shot.
Shinji Ono enjoyed a raucous welcome from the 14,549 fans when he entered after the interval but the Japanese forward was unable to inspire the home side despite dominating lengthy periods of the second half.
A sweet injury-time shot by Mooy was tipped centimetres wide of the post, while Spiranovic hit the post from the ensuing corner but there was to be no winner for the fast-finishing Wanderers.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
