The Wellington Phoenix have broken a run of some poor form to take a victory over the Perth Glory at home.
Final score
Wellington Phoenix 2
Perth Glory 1
TV
This match will be broadcast exclusively by Fox Sports 501.
Live stream
You can live stream Foxtel’s coverage of the match by using the Foxtel App if you already have a Foxtel TV subscription, or Foxtel Now if you don’t.
The third and final Distance Derby in the 2017/18 A League season, and while their ladder positions remain somewhat disappointing, if these teams are going to make anything of this season, a win now is simply non-negotiable.
Wellington had managed to put together a few solid performances before their season hit the skids yet again and they lost three in a row. That three-game losing streak is even more disappointing for a team that looked like they had turned the corner.
Perth, equally, go from bad to worse, and it will be their ladder position alone that will give them some semblance of faith that they can nab a win here.
The key word tonight? Defence, in that neither team has a particularly good one, having conceded 40 (Wellington) and 39 (Perth) goals this season, they each have the worst two defences in the league.
So scoring should not be the problem.
To be fair to Perth, they were a lot better last weekend than Wellington, who were completely abhorrent against Sydney.
Perth are seven points behind sixth-placed Victory, so a win tonight will cut the gap to the finals spot to four points, and with seven rounds left, anything is possible.
Kenny Lowe’s most challenging season seems to have no sign of letting up, and he’ll be hoping beyond hope for a win tonight.
For Wellington, they are merely playing for hope under their new coach Darije Kalezic, as they try to take something from this season, because though they are not mathematically out, when you’re talking about things mathematically, it means you are basically out.
I’ll back the home side tonight. Stinging from last week’s thumping, and with something to prove, they managed to hit five past Perth last time in Wellington, so I think they will tap into that sense of confidence, and return serve again.
Wellington 4-2.
perry cox
Roar Guru
That's got to be the only explanation Stuart. The decision was rubbish, the attempt even worse. All round comedy there. Classic A-League!
perry cox
Roar Guru
Well said Stevo. Like I said Stuart, Krishna perhaps has marked papers?
perry cox
Roar Guru
He's not consistent enough Stuart. Remember, he didn't even start tonight. You get the impression that a player of his quality has had his papers marked?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Well done Stuart you master tipper you :) On the Roy thing, that would be a coach killer for me. I would be effn slamming into him after the game. That kind of selfishness can be the difference between silverware and also ran :(
perry cox
Roar Guru
Full Time Wellington and Perth have played out a classic in the 35th instalment of the Distance Derby in Wellington, with two Perth players in the final ten minutes of the game essentially determining the result, which went to the home side by way of a 2-1 scoreline. Sarpreet Singh lit up New Zealand in the opening minutes of the game, with a strike that, along with James Troisi and Andrew Nabbout, is likely not just to be a goal of the round contender, but goal of the season candidate. Perth were clearly rattled by going down so early, and Wellington took hold of the match. However, as Diego Castro got stronger, Perth became more menacing, and it was no surprise that the Spaniard drew the foul himself, and converted the free kick, with the precision of a Swiss timepiece, to land the ball in the bottom corner of the net, and draw the visitors level. 1-all at half-time. It was all Perth in the second half, as Neil Kilkenny, Joel Chianese, and Castro began to charge at will on the fringes and attack at will. Mitch Nichols was another who was fearsome up front. Wellington looked likely to concede at any moment, but led by a strong Andrew Durante, the Nix wall managed to hold. The last ten minutes were frenetic, and as any good football match demands, tinged in controversy, when the referee awarded a late penalty to Perth, again through that man Castro, after a collision in the area was adjudged a foul. However, with Perth seemingly set to take the late lead and the match, Castro instead showered himself in ignominy, when he went for penache over power, and his attempted Panenka landed almost comically into the waiting arms of Wellington debutant keeper Tando Velaphi, the keeper simply holding his spot. Perth, ultimately, would pay dearly for a half that they owned, but did not seal. Roy Krishna found himself into space on the by-line, and ran at the left hand upright. Whether his ball was a shot or a cross proved irrelevant, as a very unlucky Shane Lowry, having a stellar game to that late point, kneed the ball into his own net. Wellington in front 2-1, and that would be the result. Kenny Lowe will have only his own side to blame for this result, as they wasted their second half dominance, while words he has with his Spanish maestro will be interesting. The Phoenix manage to amazingly keep their mathematical chance of finals alive, with a thoroughly deserved win, to end a cracking contest. Wellington Phoenix: 2 Perth Glory: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Seemed that way. I'm happy Stevo. 2/2 and charging home.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Krishna changed that game. Why he has resigned with Wellington is beyond me. He should be one of the ten most valuable players in this league. Surely someone else wanted him?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Why didn’t Roy just pass that ball to his right and it was an open goal!!!!!
perry cox
Roar Guru
95' - GAME OVER - There's the whistle. What a half, what a game. What a Distance Derby. Full report to follow. Wellington Phoenix: 2 Perth Glory: 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
94' - Will this be the last minute, as Kilkenny sends it in from the free? Velaphi watches on, Durante with an attempted clearance, Nichols on the ball. It's bobbling, it's bouncing, it's to Krishna, and it's three on two. He takes on the defence, Reddy comes at Krishna in the area. Reddy with the ball, and he blasts it long! This could be it ... Wellington Phoenix: 2 Perth Glory: 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
92' - 4 minutes of stoppage time. SUB: Rufer on, Burns off. Right, it's all hands on defensive deck now for the Nix - two minutes to go! What must Castro be thinking? Wellington Phoenix: 2 Perth Glory: 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
Goal 90' - GOAL NIX! Krishna there, into the area on the left, runs at the post, slams it at the goal, but it's Lwory with the final touch past Reddy. Well there you have it, I've blogged it before and I'll blog it again: possession doesn't win you football games, goals do - Perth have owned this half, and haven't converted. Wellington have taken one of their few chances this half, and they have the lead where it matters. Great play Krishna, such a shame for Lowry. Can Perth respond?! Wellington Phoenix: 2 Perth Glory: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yeah Baby! C'mon Roy!
perry cox
Roar Guru
Yellow Card 89' - Grant has crunched Krishna there, as dirty as it was professional. Nothing good to see here. Krishna moves on though. Wellington Phoenix: 1 Perth Glory: 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
88' - Right, Nix have a chance here to send in a set piece. So many players in the area, but it lands harmlessly, Lowry clears. Ball back to Velaphi, who toys with Castro. He's toyed a fair bit with Castro of late. Keeper sends it long, Nix with some possession, Ljujic on the ball, McGlinchey lays it off to Krishna, nup, he loses it, now Perth with a chance through Keogh. Wellington Phoenix: 1 Perth Glory: 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
86' - Perth are trying to move it around, but they do look tired. Now Nix on the move, Kaluderovic tries to haul in the through ball, gets a corner. Lowry blowing up about that. Wellington Phoenix: 1 Perth Glory: 1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
It was a drop shot on Rod Laver Arena.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Kenny Lowe just threw something..........funny.
perry cox
Roar Guru
84' - Well, what a game we have had. I think all the players are coming to terms with what has just happened. Little bit disjointed. Burns tries to impose himself with a strong header. Perth throw in. Wellington Phoenix: 1 Perth Glory: 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
82' - Oh well, Castro, mate, take a bow, that's the worst penalty I've ever seen. He's tried to go for the panenka, and the keeper didn't move, the ball landing softly in his arms. Good. That was the worst penalty you will ever see - both the decision and execution. this game has had it all! Wellington Phoenix: 1 Perth Glory: 1