Final score: Victory 2-3 Phoenix
Wellington make history as they secure a win in Melbourne over the Victory for the first time ever. They were behind twice in this contest but on the back of a superb performance from Burns, they manage to get the job done away from home. The Victory looked well on top throughout the first half and early in the second but they fell away and the Phoenix were able to pounce and secure a superb win. Back to the drawing board for Melbourne. The Phoenix finally end a four match winless streak.
An entertaining clash awaits as the Melbourne Victory hosts a Wellington Phoenix side desperate to end a four match winless streak in the A-League. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.00pm AEDT.
The Phoenix are yet to secure victory in 2015 and it will take something special for Wellington to open their account this afternoon against Melbourne.
Wellington are coming off two disappointing draws at home to City and the Jets and are now barely clinging onto a spot inside the top four.
The Victory meanwhile have had an extended break from play after their match against the Brisbane Roar was suspended due to bad weather up in Queensland. Before that, they were unlucky not to secure three points away against Sydney FC after a very controversial penalty was awarded that allowed the Sky Blues to escape with a 3 all draw.
It remains to be seen how much the extended break will affect Melbourne’s play. By and large they have been a consistent unit this season and deserve their second place standing on the A-League ladder.
At home, the Victory start heavy favourites but the Phoenix certainly have the talent required to perhaps cause the upset.
The battle upfront should be terrific to say the least with the A-League’s leading goalscorers Besart Berisha and Nathan Burns going head to head.
Burns is yet to get on the scoresheet this year after a superb 2014 which saw him score 10 goals. The Socceroos striker however just can’t find the back of the net so far in 2015 after squandering several chances against the Jets last week.
Wellington as a whole have struggled to put teams away this year particularly in their last two matches against City and Newcastle. Their build-up is superb at times but their finishing leaves a lot to be desired.
It will take a complete performance for the Phoenix to cause the upset today. Anything less and Melbourne should continue their winning ways at home.
Victory and Phoenix to draw 2-2
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:00pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Catnap
Guest
I rate burns ahead of leckie and troisi !!!!!!
jamesb
Guest
Table Perth 36 points (19 games) Melbourne Victory 33 (18) Adelaide 33 (19) Wellington 33 (19) Sydney 32 (19) Melbourne City 24 (18) Brisbane 22 (17) Central Coast 16 (19) Newcastle 11 (19) WSW 8 (17)
Josh
Guest
apart from today they seem like the only team who have it in them.
Alan
Roar Guru
Wellington make history as they secure a win in Melbourne over the Victory for the first time ever. They were behind twice in this contest but on the back of a superb performance from Burns, they manage to get the job done away from home. The Victory looked well on top throughout the first half and early in the second but they fell away and the Phoenix were able to pounce and secure a superb win. Back to the drawing board for Melbourne. The Phoenix finally end a four match winless streak. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Gee the Victory have fallen away big time. Wellington with another late change. Burns off for Lia. Wellington get their season back on track superbly! FULLTIME Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Over 22,000 have come in today. Good crowd. 93' - Victory started the second half on fire but since taking a 2-1 lead, they have drifted considerably and Wellington have taken advantage big time. The title race once again tightens up. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Time running out for the Victory who look out of puff for mine. Hicks now comes on for McGlinchey. Wellington on course for a great win Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Dangerous freekick for Melbourne. Del Pierre's header forces a corner for the Victory. Good cross in. Wellington struggling to clear. They concede the throw. Moss now claims possession. Good take from the goal keeper. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Berisha fouled and Durante gets a yellow card. He will miss Wellington's next match against Adelaide. Gee that should be a great game. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Great ball through to Burns. Wellington have dominated the second half since going down 2-1. Khalfallah's long ball out for a goal kick. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Burns has certainly had the better game compared to Berisha. Burns man of the match. Berisha missed the earlier penalty. That miss very costly now. Burns continues to cause trouble and he turns well but his effort wide of Coe's right post. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
AZ_RBB
Guest
Big question is, who will MVFC play in the Grand Final?
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Wellington just 14 minutes or so away from creating history. An historic first ever win over the Victory in Melbourne! Can they finish the job? Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Del Pierre is on for Milligan as the Victory make their second change. Melbourne in big trouble. They led 1-0 and 2-1 and are now behind 3-2. Wellington well on top. Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Boxall this time plays the role of provider as he gets away from Ansell and races down field before producing a square ball to Burns who scores the easiest of goals! The Phoenix are in front for the first time in the match! Victory 2 Phoenix 3
jamesb
Guest
Wow, Nix have hit the lead. Burns has been outstanding today.
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL PHOENIX Victory 2 Phoenix 3
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Wellington asking all the questions now. Victory on the ropes. The Phoenix is rising! Victory 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE PHOENIX Burns with the volley and a superb save from Coe! Victory just hanging on by a thread here! Victory 2 Phoenix 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Archie Thompson comes on for his 200th appearance, replacing Gui Finkler. The Victory with their first change. Victory 2 Phoenix 2