The distance derby, as this fixture has been dubbed, looms as the last chance saloon for the Perth Glory as they travel to New Zealand to take on the horribly inconsistent Wellington Phoenix.
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The Glory sit nine points adrift of the top six before this one and if they are any hope of making the finals they must gain maximum points at Westpac Stadium.
But judging on their current form it’s hard to see them getting anything out of this match given they have lost four in a row and not enjoyed a win in seven matches.
The loss of experienced shot stopper Danny Vukovic overseas is a big blow for the visitors with the inexperienced Jack Duncan stepping up to fill the void.
The Glory have been goal shy this season after netting just 20 goals in 21 matches and they will need to turn that around if they are to get a result.
It is hard to get a gauge on Wellington after they backed up strong wins over Newcastle and Central Coast with insipid performances against Heart and Adelaide.
Carlos Hernandez has been a bright light for the Nix with his creativity and nose for goal causing all sorts of problems for opposition defences and he’ll be one to watch in this one.
Stein Huysegems has been quiet in recent weeks and would dearly love to rekindle his goal scoring form from earlier in the season to help push his case for the golden boot.
For the visitors, Shane Smeltz has had a very interrupted season but is a constant threat going forward and he will need to have a big game for the Glory to win.
Sidnei Sciola is the bright light for Perth with his dynamism and dribbling ability a nightmare for opposition and he could provide Wellington with some problems.
On paper the Phoenix have far more to play for as they sit just outside the top six and have a more realistic chance of making the playoffs.
Given Perth have to make the longest journey in world football and clearly down on confidence, it’s hard to see anything but a Phoenix victory.
Wellington to win, 3-0.
Nickos
Guest
Thanks Josh, great coverage today mate.
jb
Roar Pro
After one of the most unspectacular first halves all season, the game opened up slightly in the second half and both teams managed to find the back of the net. Perth lacked creativity in the front third and desperately tried to hang on to their goal advantage but in the end were lucky to walk away with a point as the Phoenix missed a glut of chances.This result surely rules Perth out of the finals while Wellington would be ruing the opportunity to bag three points against the wooden spoon favourites.
jb
Roar Pro
FULL TIME - Wellington 1 Perth 1
jb
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92' - Chance! Phoenix! Great cross from Cunnningham found Huysegems but the Belgian pushed his header over the crossbar. He should have done better there. Wellington 1 Perth 1
jb
Roar Pro
90' - Four minutes of time added on, Wellington still looking dangerous. Perth seem content with the point despite needing all three. Wellington 1 Perth 1
jb
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87' - Wellington are all over Perth here and are pushing hard for a winner. Perth look out on their feet and struggling to hold on. Wellington 1 Perth 1
jb
Roar Pro
85' - After making some great saves Jack Duncan misjudged a Phoenix crossed and missed the ball allowing Cunningham to head into an empty net. Wellington 1 Perth 1
jb
Roar Pro
Goal! Phoenix! 1-1! Cunningham! Wellington 1 Perth 1
jb
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83' - Chance! Wellington! Should be 1-1! The ball fell to Riddenton six yards out after Duncan made a super save but the youngster blasted his shot over when it was far easier to score. The Phoenix could rue that miss. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
Roar Pro
80' - Chance! Wellington! Great cross from Timmins picked out Cunningham 4 yards out but the striker's header was incredibly saved by young Jack Duncan. Super save from the keeper. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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74' - Sub for Perth, Griffiths off, McGarry on.
jb
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72' - Wellington enjoying most of the ball at the moment but aren't doing much with it. They are lacking a cutting edge in the front third and Perth are quite comfortable at the moment. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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71' - Sub for Wellington, Krishna off, Boyd on. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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66' - Chance! Perth! Great cross from Marinkovic piced out Harold but the youngster's header was well held by Glenn Moss. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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63' - Sub for Phoenix - Hernandez off, Hicks on Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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59' - The intensity of the match has stepped up and the game is starting to open up. Could be more goals in this one. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
Roar Pro
58' - Chance! Krishna was put through one on one with Jack Duncan but a poor touch cost the Fijian as the young keeper smothered the ball. Should have done better there. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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55' - Free kick to the Glory in a dangerous area was whipped inside the box and skimmed just past Moss's goal. The Nix slightly lucky there. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
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50' - Chance! Wellington! Good turn on the edge of the area from Huysegems who made space for himself well but fired his shot over the bar. Wellington 0 Perth 1
jb
Roar Pro
49'– Chance! Great cross from Perth's Harold found Sidnei but the Brazilian blasted his shot over from 15 yards. Wellington 0 Perth 1