Opinion
Read on for a summary of all the action from the first five games from the return of the A-League.
Sydney FC 3, Wellington Phoenix 1
Sydney hosted Wellington in the first return game of A-League season 2019-20. League leaders Sydney were expected to pick up from where they left only having lost to the Phoenix once in the past 11 encounters. But it was the Phoenix who came closest to breaking the ice in the opening moments. Rhyan Grant was lucky to not give away a penalty after handling Alex Rufer’s shot.
However Sydney weren’t as lucky the next time. A Ryan McGowan challenge gifted the Phoenix the opening goal. Reno Piscopo scored from the penalty spot to put the Phoenix ahead. Ulises Davila moments later conceded a penalty for a handball. The controversial decision would help Sydney get level. Adam Le Fondre scored from the spot.
(Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
In the closing moments of the game, substitute Trent Buhagiar marked his impact on the game, scoring two goals to help his side run out as 3-1 winners.
Perth Glory 1, Central Coast Mariners 0
The Glory and the Mariners returned to action at the Central Coast Stadium. Both sides were hoping to break their winless droughts and come out reinvigorated from the break. Though it would be a familiar sight for the Mariners, conceding the first goal. Dane Ingham put the Glory ahead in the 32nd minute. The goal would be enough to give the Glory all three points. The Glory snapped their four-game winless streak, while the Mariners have lost 11 games in a row.
Adelaide United 1, Brisbane Roar 0
Both the Roar and United came into their game with new managers. Carl Veart and Warren Moon wanted to make a good impression in the teams’ return game. With the game being played at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, it was the first time the venue was used for A-League action since 2012. United got off to a quick start. Kristian Fardal Opseth scored the opener in the sixth minute. United keeper Paul Izzo made several crucial saves to keep the clean sheet. United did enough for the 1-0 win.
Newcastle Jets 2, Sydney FC 1
The Jets returned to season 2019-20 in a clash against Sydney FC. The Jets were hopeful of rediscovering their form before the season was postponed, but it was Sydney who struck first. Anthony Caceres slid in the rainy conditions to tap in the opening goal. In the second half the Jets turned the game around. Nick Fitzgerald headed home in the 58th minute and Kosta Petratos scored at the death to give the Jets the win.
Wellington Phoenix 2, Perth Glory 1
Having lost in controversial fashion on Friday night, the Phoenix came into their clash against the Glory wanting to take all three points. And they would get off to an ideal start. Gary Hooper scored in the 32nd minute to put the Phoenix ahead. Ulises Davila converted a penalty in the 48th minute and the Phoenix were cruising. Dane Ingham gave something for the Glory to cheer about, scoring a wonder strike from range in the 62nd minute. Though it would only be a consolation prize. The Phoenix ran out 2-1 winners.
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