Sydney FC
Sydney Football Stadium
Saturday, 13 Mar 2010
8:00PM AEST
Wellington Phoenix
Preview: Sydney v Wellington
Date: Saturday, March 13
Kick-off: 8pm AEDT
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
TV and Radio: Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 3/3 HD and Sky Sport 2. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is ABC Radio (Sydney) and The Radio Network 1035 AM (Wellington). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Head-to-head Played 9: Wellington Phoenix wins 3, Sydney FC wins 5 (1 draw)
Previous Meeting
Wellington 0, Sydney 1, FMG Stadium, round 18
Past five matches:
Sydney FC:
Round 25: Brisbane Roar 1, Sydney FC 0, Suncorp Stadium
Round 26: Sydney FC 3, Perth Glory 2, Sydney Football Stadium
Round 27: Sydney FC 2, Melbourne Victory 0, Sydney Football Stadium
MSF - 1st Leg: Melbourne Victory 2, Sydney FC 1, Etihad Stadium
MSF - 2nd Leg: Sydney FC 2, Melbourne Victory 2, SFS
Wellington:
Round 25: Wellington Phoenix 1, Adelaide United 0, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Round 26: Gold Coast United 0, Wellington Phoenix 1, Skilled Park, Gold Coast
Round 27: Wellington Phoenix 3, Central Coast Mariners 0, Westpac Stadium
Minor semi-final: Wellington Phoenix 1 Perth Glory 1 (4-2 penalties) Westpac Stadium
Minor semi-final: Wellington 3, Newcastle 1, Westpac Stadium
Analysis:
It might have qualified for the Asian Champions League after winning the Hyundai A-League minor premiership, but Sydney knows it will be left with a hollow feeling unless it reaches the grand final.
Striker Alex Brosque said it for all his team-mates when he declared: "Sitting in the dressing room after the 2-2 draw with Melbourne (in the major semi) it suddenly dawned on us that our season could be over if we don't beat Wellington."
The Sky Blues will go in as favourites after beating the Kiwis in all three encounters this season, scoring six goals to Wellington's one.
Sydney also has the home ground advantage and may also get Qantas Socceroo Shannon Cole back from injury.
The Killer Bs – Brosque and Mark Bridge – were reunited last week and looked sharp, with Bridge covering the vacancy left by Steve Corica.
The pair will again play an important role, especially if one of them can nick an early goal and dent Wellington's confidence.
Simon Colosimo continues to do a great job in the middle of defence while keeper Clint Bolton has been showing what Sydney will be missing out on next year with a string of excellent saves.
The romantics out there would love nothing more than seeing the big shots knocked over by the nothing-to-lose Phoenix.
Five straight wins – including a brilliant 3-1 extra time victory over Newcastle in the knock-out semi-final last weekend – have Ricky Herbert's believing than can achieve anything.
Put Brazil in against the Phoenix at the moment and they wouldn't be overawed.
Striker Paul Ifill has been sensational in recent weeks, Manny Muscat has been a rock in the midfield while goalkeeper Liam Reddy has been harder to beat than a Steinlager-induced hangover.
If they can score early then the crowd will grow anxious and will begin to heap the pressure on the hosts.
An upset is not beyond the realms of possibility here.
Sydney FC squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Sebastian RYALL 3. Stephan KELLER, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 5. Hayden FOXE, 6. Karol KISEL, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. John ALOISI (c), 12. Shannon COLE, 13. Antony GOLEC,14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 16. Chris PAYNE,19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI, 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN
*one to be omitted*
In: Shannon COLE (returns from injury), Antony GOLEC (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Kofi DANNING (knee – season), Matthew JURMAN (foot – season), Steve Corica (hamstring – season), Rhyan GRANT (ankle – season), Adam CASEY (hamstring – indefinite)
Wellington Phoenix squad: 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Adrian CACERES, 15. Eugene DADI, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23.Costa BARBAROUSES, 40. Liam REDDY (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Jon McKAIN (returns from suspension), Michael FERRANTE (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Mark PASTON (gk) (leg – season)
Kick-off: 8pm AEDT
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
TV and Radio: Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 3/3 HD and Sky Sport 2. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is ABC Radio (Sydney) and The Radio Network 1035 AM (Wellington). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Head-to-head Played 9: Wellington Phoenix wins 3, Sydney FC wins 5 (1 draw)
Previous Meeting
Wellington 0, Sydney 1, FMG Stadium, round 18
Past five matches:
Sydney FC:
Round 25: Brisbane Roar 1, Sydney FC 0, Suncorp Stadium
Round 26: Sydney FC 3, Perth Glory 2, Sydney Football Stadium
Round 27: Sydney FC 2, Melbourne Victory 0, Sydney Football Stadium
MSF - 1st Leg: Melbourne Victory 2, Sydney FC 1, Etihad Stadium
MSF - 2nd Leg: Sydney FC 2, Melbourne Victory 2, SFS
Wellington:
Round 25: Wellington Phoenix 1, Adelaide United 0, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Round 26: Gold Coast United 0, Wellington Phoenix 1, Skilled Park, Gold Coast
Round 27: Wellington Phoenix 3, Central Coast Mariners 0, Westpac Stadium
Minor semi-final: Wellington Phoenix 1 Perth Glory 1 (4-2 penalties) Westpac Stadium
Minor semi-final: Wellington 3, Newcastle 1, Westpac Stadium
Analysis:
It might have qualified for the Asian Champions League after winning the Hyundai A-League minor premiership, but Sydney knows it will be left with a hollow feeling unless it reaches the grand final.
Striker Alex Brosque said it for all his team-mates when he declared: "Sitting in the dressing room after the 2-2 draw with Melbourne (in the major semi) it suddenly dawned on us that our season could be over if we don't beat Wellington."
The Sky Blues will go in as favourites after beating the Kiwis in all three encounters this season, scoring six goals to Wellington's one.
Sydney also has the home ground advantage and may also get Qantas Socceroo Shannon Cole back from injury.
The Killer Bs – Brosque and Mark Bridge – were reunited last week and looked sharp, with Bridge covering the vacancy left by Steve Corica.
The pair will again play an important role, especially if one of them can nick an early goal and dent Wellington's confidence.
Simon Colosimo continues to do a great job in the middle of defence while keeper Clint Bolton has been showing what Sydney will be missing out on next year with a string of excellent saves.
The romantics out there would love nothing more than seeing the big shots knocked over by the nothing-to-lose Phoenix.
Five straight wins – including a brilliant 3-1 extra time victory over Newcastle in the knock-out semi-final last weekend – have Ricky Herbert's believing than can achieve anything.
Put Brazil in against the Phoenix at the moment and they wouldn't be overawed.
Striker Paul Ifill has been sensational in recent weeks, Manny Muscat has been a rock in the midfield while goalkeeper Liam Reddy has been harder to beat than a Steinlager-induced hangover.
If they can score early then the crowd will grow anxious and will begin to heap the pressure on the hosts.
An upset is not beyond the realms of possibility here.
Sydney FC squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Sebastian RYALL 3. Stephan KELLER, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 5. Hayden FOXE, 6. Karol KISEL, 7. Brendan GAN, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 9. John ALOISI (c), 12. Shannon COLE, 13. Antony GOLEC,14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 16. Chris PAYNE,19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI, 22. Sung-Hwan BYUN
*one to be omitted*
In: Shannon COLE (returns from injury), Antony GOLEC (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Kofi DANNING (knee – season), Matthew JURMAN (foot – season), Steve Corica (hamstring – season), Rhyan GRANT (ankle – season), Adam CASEY (hamstring – indefinite)
Wellington Phoenix squad: 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 5. DIEGO, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Adrian CACERES, 15. Eugene DADI, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23.Costa BARBAROUSES, 40. Liam REDDY (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Jon McKAIN (returns from suspension), Michael FERRANTE (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Mark PASTON (gk) (leg – season)
League Position
Top Scorers
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
Discipline
| Yellow | Red | Total |
| Yellow | Red | Total |
93:00
The final whistle sounds to end the Wellington Phoenix dream, as Sydney make their 2nd ever grand final. Sydney run out winners 4-2.
91:45
Kisel is fouled, as he requests the ref to give him a free kick and a yellow card to the Phoenix. A free kick he gets, but the yellow card plea is ignored.
90:00
We have 3 minutes of injury time left in the game.
89:15
The Phoenix are still trying their hardest, to win the game, but unfortunately for them, time is against them now.
88:00
Wellington will need a miracle to force the game into extra time.
86:15
Foxe comes on for a run at the expense of Bridge.
84:45
Dadi hangs onto Bolton as he steps out of his area.
82:30
Gan comes on to replace Brosque.
80:45
GOAL PHOENIX - Greenacre crosses the ball to Dadi, inside the box. He heads the ball past Bolton and into goal.
79:00
Diego comes on for Ifill, in the Phoenix's final change for the match.
78:15
Payne is given a yellow card for time wasting.
76:30
Payne turns sharply in the box, sizes up Reddy for his hat-trick, but Reddy denies him that honour.
74:15
Ryall is down behind play. It looks to be his hamstring, as the trainers attend.
72:00
The Phoenix's season will be over in 18 minutes.
70:15
GOAL SYDNEY - Brosque breaks through the Phoenix defence. He has Bridge in support, as Reddy steps out. He passes to Bridge, who chips into goal from the left post. Sydney lead 4-1.
68:30
There are some gaps starting to open up in the Phoenix defence, as they throw caution to the wind and stack up the attack.
67:15
Dadi links up with Greenacre, who puts it over the crossbar. There is still time for the Phoenix, but they need a goal quickly.
66:45
McFlynn is given a yellow card for a late tackle.
65:15
Dadi comes on for Brown.
64:30
Payne's eyes light up, as he is one on one with Reddy. The flag goes up for offside.
63:45
The Phoenix have a mountain to climb.
62:15
GOAL SYDNEY - Daniel turns over the ball in the midfield, as Bridge links up with Brosque, who is one on one with Reddy. From the edge of the box, he slips it to the right, Reddy dives left. GOAL.
60:30
Brosque has a strong shot at goal, but is deflected by Reddy.
58:45
Wellington make their first change, with Hearfield coming off for an early shower, being replaced by the excitement machine, Daniel.
57:00
Greenacre gets in front of Corica, but Kisel is able to take possession of the ball.
55:45
The Phoenix defence are on red alert, knowing that another Sydney goal, would spell the end of their dream of a first A-League Grand Final.
54:00
A wasted disposal by Hearfield, which puts his team in trouble. Kisel lines it up, but straight down the throat of Reddy.
52:30
The Phoenix may look to the bench for more attacking power, shortly.
50:15
A good run from Hearfield, but poor delivery leads the ball to be turned over.
48:00
Durante puts Reddy under pressure with his back pass, as Reddy is forced to concede the throw in.
46:30
The Phoenix were disappointed with their first half, they are out to do a lot more, especially for the fans that travelled all the way from New Zealand.
45:01
Sydney kick off to start us off for the second half.
45:00
Sydney FC leads the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at half-time.
44:55
Two minutes will be added onto the first half.
44:50
The Phoenix are beginning to pile on the pressure as they win another corner. Bolton shows authority in the box to take it cleanly.
41:35
Ifill gets past Keller then shoots, but it is just wide of the right post.
40:30
Ryall sends the cross into the box but it's too close to Reddy and the keeper takes it.
39:15
Ifill gets into the box but Ryall blocks his pass and knocks the ball out of play for a throw in.
37:10
Ifill has been well held tonight and it appears as though he has not fully recovered from his injury issues leading to this game.
34:45
Bertos takes the corner and sends it to the far post. McFlynn knocks it out to safety as Sydney deals with the danger.
32:35
Kisel takes a shot from well outside the box but it goes well over.
31:30
Reddy and the Phoenix defence are furious as the goal seems to have been knocked in by Payne's hand. Controversial moment missed by the match officials.
30:40
GOAL SYDNEY - The Wellington defence has fallen asleep at the set piece. The free kick bounces fortunately to Payne who knocks it past Reddy for his second goal.
28:15
It will be interesting to see how Sydney react to conceding the goal given they have not lost this season after being ahead.
25:40
GOAL PHOENIX - Wellington have the free kick and this is taken by Bertos. He sends it to the far post, Lia flicks it onto Durante who heads it past Bolton to equalise! It's game on!
23:40
Lia crosses to Greenacre in the box and his unopposed header misses the target.
22:10
Sydney deserve their lead at the moment as they have been making all of the play.
20:30
GOAL SYDNEY - Brosque passes the ball out to the left to Payne who runs into the box, shrugs of Lochhead and guides it past Reddy into the bottom corner of the net.
19:20
Payne comes on to replace the injured Aloisi.
18:30
Aloisi is down holding his lower leg as the trainer rushes out to him. He will go off for treatment and hopefully he can come back on, but it's not looking good.
15:50
Brosque is put through as he runs onto the ball. Reddy runs at him with Brosque falling in the box. The referee awards a goal kick.
14:15
Wellington have not really been in the match at this stage of proceedings. It has been all one way traffic.
12:45
Musialik looks for Aloisi. The ball spills to McFlynn whose shot from the edge of the box is light work for Reddy.
11:50
The Phoenix win the corner which is taken by Bertos. Bolton spills it but recovers in time to rectify the situation.
09:40
Brosque runs into the box but instead of shooting, he elects to square the ball and it misses the target allowing the Phoenix defence to clear.
07:45
Sydney have opened up the Phoenix defence. Hearfield with an unfortunate defence presents the ball to Brosque who shoots at Reddy in the box but the keeper blocks the shot.
05:25
The match is settling down as Sydney's defence chip and pass the ball around.
03:55
Bertos gets past two defenders and looks for Greenacre but Bolton punches clear to safety.
02:45
McKain is brought down and Durante sends the free kick in towards sky blue shirts. Sydney try to move it quickly but both defences are settled early.
01:30
The Phoenix have early possession but the Bertos ball into the box is poor and Sydney can clear.
00:01
We are off and underway at the Sydney Football Stadium. This match will be huge with the winner off to Melbourne next week to play the Victory in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Goals | 2 |
| 15 | Shots | 9 |
| 3 | Shots Off | 3 |
| 4 | Corners | 6 |
| 1 | Offside | 1 |
| 10 | Fouls | 13 |
| 2 | Yellows | 0 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
49%
51%
Possession
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Goals | 2 |
| 15 | Shots | 9 |
| 3 | Shots Off | 3 |
| 4 | Corners | 6 |
| 1 | Offside | 1 |
| 10 | Fouls | 13 |
| 2 | Yellows | 0 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
49%
51%
Possession
Sydney FC into GF
Sydney FC have moved into the Hyundai A-League grand final after easily accounting for Wellington Phoenix 4-2 in Saturday night's preliminary final at the SFS.
Two first half goals to substitute Chris Payne and one each to Mark Bridge and Alex Brosque in the second 45 ensured the home side's passage into next Saturday's grand final against Melbourne Victory.
Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante headed a first half goal and substitute Eugene Dadi bagged his side's second late but to no avail in front of a large contingent of traveling fans.
It was an entertaining night's football with six goals giving the 13,196 fans value for money on a wet night in the Harbour City.
After a cagey opening few minutes as both sides got accustomed to the heavy conditions it was Brosque with the first clear-cut chance of the game. The Socceroo striker burst through the Phoenix box but his left foot drive was parried brilliantly by keeper Liam Reddy.
Sydney continued to press back the visitors with Brosque his customary lively self up front. But on 18 minutes his strike partner Aloisi succumbed to injury and was substituted.
It was to prove a pivotal moment a few minutes later substitute Payne finished a barnstorming run into the Phoenix box with a cool strike under Reddy.
But just five minutes later Phoenix were back on level terms. Leo Bertos' curling free kick from the left was flicked on by Vince Lia and skipper Durante was perfectly placed at the far post to power his header past Clint Bolton for 1-1.
On the half hour mark it was the Sky Blues back on top in almost identical circumstances. Sung-Hwan Byun's curling free wasn't cleared by the Phoenix defence and Payne was there to guide it home for his and Sydney's second goal.
It ended 2-1 at the break although five minutes before half-time Paul Ifill had a great chance to make it 2-2 - his curling drive just went wide of Bolton's left-hand post.
And Ifill was at it again right on the break with his trickery creating space for a cross that was scrambled clear by Sydney's Simon Colosimo.
Karol Kisel had two good attempts on goal early in the second half but Reddy was up to them both – the second a stinging shot parried wide to Terry McFlynn who was again denied by the in-form glovesman.
Daniel came on for Troy Hearfield on the hour mark as Phoenix looked to add more attacking intent but it was Brosque who broke their resistance with a superbly taken goal.
Bridge broke through the Phoenix defence and Brosque's clever, angled run saw his strike partner play him in and his low shot went past Reddy to make it 3-1.
Minutes later Ifill's hard work created a chance for strike partner Chris Greenacre in the box but his shot went over the Sydney bar.
It was a costly miss as Sydney's “Killer Bs” combined on 70 minutes to break through a static Phoenix defence to comfortably slot a fourth past a helpless Reddy.
Payne could have had his hat-trick minutes later his tricky play in the box ended with a cracking shot palmed away by Reddy.
But with 10 minutes left on the clock Dadi got on the end of a cross from the right to angle his header past Bolton to give the visitor a sniff at 4-2.But Sydney locked the door in the final minutes to end Wellington's fairytale run in the finals.
Rejuvenated Sydney now head to Etihad stadium on Saturday for a blockbuster grand final against their bitter southern rival at Etihad stadium.
Sydney FC 4 (Payne 22, 31, Brosque 63, Bridge 71)
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Durante 27, Dadi 81)
@ Sydney Football Stadium
Two first half goals to substitute Chris Payne and one each to Mark Bridge and Alex Brosque in the second 45 ensured the home side's passage into next Saturday's grand final against Melbourne Victory.
Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante headed a first half goal and substitute Eugene Dadi bagged his side's second late but to no avail in front of a large contingent of traveling fans.
It was an entertaining night's football with six goals giving the 13,196 fans value for money on a wet night in the Harbour City.
After a cagey opening few minutes as both sides got accustomed to the heavy conditions it was Brosque with the first clear-cut chance of the game. The Socceroo striker burst through the Phoenix box but his left foot drive was parried brilliantly by keeper Liam Reddy.
Sydney continued to press back the visitors with Brosque his customary lively self up front. But on 18 minutes his strike partner Aloisi succumbed to injury and was substituted.
It was to prove a pivotal moment a few minutes later substitute Payne finished a barnstorming run into the Phoenix box with a cool strike under Reddy.
But just five minutes later Phoenix were back on level terms. Leo Bertos' curling free kick from the left was flicked on by Vince Lia and skipper Durante was perfectly placed at the far post to power his header past Clint Bolton for 1-1.
On the half hour mark it was the Sky Blues back on top in almost identical circumstances. Sung-Hwan Byun's curling free wasn't cleared by the Phoenix defence and Payne was there to guide it home for his and Sydney's second goal.
It ended 2-1 at the break although five minutes before half-time Paul Ifill had a great chance to make it 2-2 - his curling drive just went wide of Bolton's left-hand post.
And Ifill was at it again right on the break with his trickery creating space for a cross that was scrambled clear by Sydney's Simon Colosimo.
Karol Kisel had two good attempts on goal early in the second half but Reddy was up to them both – the second a stinging shot parried wide to Terry McFlynn who was again denied by the in-form glovesman.
Daniel came on for Troy Hearfield on the hour mark as Phoenix looked to add more attacking intent but it was Brosque who broke their resistance with a superbly taken goal.
Bridge broke through the Phoenix defence and Brosque's clever, angled run saw his strike partner play him in and his low shot went past Reddy to make it 3-1.
Minutes later Ifill's hard work created a chance for strike partner Chris Greenacre in the box but his shot went over the Sydney bar.
It was a costly miss as Sydney's “Killer Bs” combined on 70 minutes to break through a static Phoenix defence to comfortably slot a fourth past a helpless Reddy.
Payne could have had his hat-trick minutes later his tricky play in the box ended with a cracking shot palmed away by Reddy.
But with 10 minutes left on the clock Dadi got on the end of a cross from the right to angle his header past Bolton to give the visitor a sniff at 4-2.But Sydney locked the door in the final minutes to end Wellington's fairytale run in the finals.
Rejuvenated Sydney now head to Etihad stadium on Saturday for a blockbuster grand final against their bitter southern rival at Etihad stadium.
Sydney FC 4 (Payne 22, 31, Brosque 63, Bridge 71)
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Durante 27, Dadi 81)
@ Sydney Football Stadium
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Goals | 2 |
| 15 | Shots | 9 |
| 3 | Shots Off | 3 |
| 4 | Corners | 6 |
| 1 | Offside | 1 |
| 10 | Fouls | 13 |
| 2 | Yellows | 0 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
49%
51%
Possession
93:00
The final whistle sounds to end the Wellington Phoenix dream, as Sydney make their 2nd ever grand final. Sydney run out winners 4-2.
91:45
Kisel is fouled, as he requests the ref to give him a free kick and a yellow card to the Phoenix. A free kick he gets, but the yellow card plea is ignored.
90:00
We have 3 minutes of injury time left in the game.
89:15
The Phoenix are still trying their hardest, to win the game, but unfortunately for them, time is against them now.
88:00
Wellington will need a miracle to force the game into extra time.
86:15
Foxe comes on for a run at the expense of Bridge.
84:45
Dadi hangs onto Bolton as he steps out of his area.
82:30
Gan comes on to replace Brosque.
80:45
GOAL PHOENIX - Greenacre crosses the ball to Dadi, inside the box. He heads the ball past Bolton and into goal.
79:00
Diego comes on for Ifill, in the Phoenix's final change for the match.
78:15
Payne is given a yellow card for time wasting.
76:30
Payne turns sharply in the box, sizes up Reddy for his hat-trick, but Reddy denies him that honour.
74:15
Ryall is down behind play. It looks to be his hamstring, as the trainers attend.
72:00
The Phoenix's season will be over in 18 minutes.
70:15
GOAL SYDNEY - Brosque breaks through the Phoenix defence. He has Bridge in support, as Reddy steps out. He passes to Bridge, who chips into goal from the left post. Sydney lead 4-1.
68:30
There are some gaps starting to open up in the Phoenix defence, as they throw caution to the wind and stack up the attack.
67:15
Dadi links up with Greenacre, who puts it over the crossbar. There is still time for the Phoenix, but they need a goal quickly.
66:45
McFlynn is given a yellow card for a late tackle.
65:15
Dadi comes on for Brown.
64:30
Payne's eyes light up, as he is one on one with Reddy. The flag goes up for offside.
63:45
The Phoenix have a mountain to climb.
62:15
GOAL SYDNEY - Daniel turns over the ball in the midfield, as Bridge links up with Brosque, who is one on one with Reddy. From the edge of the box, he slips it to the right, Reddy dives left. GOAL.
60:30
Brosque has a strong shot at goal, but is deflected by Reddy.
58:45
Wellington make their first change, with Hearfield coming off for an early shower, being replaced by the excitement machine, Daniel.
57:00
Greenacre gets in front of Corica, but Kisel is able to take possession of the ball.
55:45
The Phoenix defence are on red alert, knowing that another Sydney goal, would spell the end of their dream of a first A-League Grand Final.
54:00
A wasted disposal by Hearfield, which puts his team in trouble. Kisel lines it up, but straight down the throat of Reddy.
52:30
The Phoenix may look to the bench for more attacking power, shortly.
50:15
A good run from Hearfield, but poor delivery leads the ball to be turned over.
48:00
Durante puts Reddy under pressure with his back pass, as Reddy is forced to concede the throw in.
46:30
The Phoenix were disappointed with their first half, they are out to do a lot more, especially for the fans that travelled all the way from New Zealand.
45:01
Sydney kick off to start us off for the second half.
45:00
Sydney FC leads the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at half-time.
44:55
Two minutes will be added onto the first half.
44:50
The Phoenix are beginning to pile on the pressure as they win another corner. Bolton shows authority in the box to take it cleanly.
41:35
Ifill gets past Keller then shoots, but it is just wide of the right post.
40:30
Ryall sends the cross into the box but it's too close to Reddy and the keeper takes it.
39:15
Ifill gets into the box but Ryall blocks his pass and knocks the ball out of play for a throw in.
37:10
Ifill has been well held tonight and it appears as though he has not fully recovered from his injury issues leading to this game.
34:45
Bertos takes the corner and sends it to the far post. McFlynn knocks it out to safety as Sydney deals with the danger.
32:35
Kisel takes a shot from well outside the box but it goes well over.
31:30
Reddy and the Phoenix defence are furious as the goal seems to have been knocked in by Payne's hand. Controversial moment missed by the match officials.
30:40
GOAL SYDNEY - The Wellington defence has fallen asleep at the set piece. The free kick bounces fortunately to Payne who knocks it past Reddy for his second goal.
28:15
It will be interesting to see how Sydney react to conceding the goal given they have not lost this season after being ahead.
25:40
GOAL PHOENIX - Wellington have the free kick and this is taken by Bertos. He sends it to the far post, Lia flicks it onto Durante who heads it past Bolton to equalise! It's game on!
23:40
Lia crosses to Greenacre in the box and his unopposed header misses the target.
22:10
Sydney deserve their lead at the moment as they have been making all of the play.
20:30
GOAL SYDNEY - Brosque passes the ball out to the left to Payne who runs into the box, shrugs of Lochhead and guides it past Reddy into the bottom corner of the net.
19:20
Payne comes on to replace the injured Aloisi.
18:30
Aloisi is down holding his lower leg as the trainer rushes out to him. He will go off for treatment and hopefully he can come back on, but it's not looking good.
15:50
Brosque is put through as he runs onto the ball. Reddy runs at him with Brosque falling in the box. The referee awards a goal kick.
14:15
Wellington have not really been in the match at this stage of proceedings. It has been all one way traffic.
12:45
Musialik looks for Aloisi. The ball spills to McFlynn whose shot from the edge of the box is light work for Reddy.
11:50
The Phoenix win the corner which is taken by Bertos. Bolton spills it but recovers in time to rectify the situation.
09:40
Brosque runs into the box but instead of shooting, he elects to square the ball and it misses the target allowing the Phoenix defence to clear.
07:45
Sydney have opened up the Phoenix defence. Hearfield with an unfortunate defence presents the ball to Brosque who shoots at Reddy in the box but the keeper blocks the shot.
05:25
The match is settling down as Sydney's defence chip and pass the ball around.
03:55
Bertos gets past two defenders and looks for Greenacre but Bolton punches clear to safety.
02:45
McKain is brought down and Durante sends the free kick in towards sky blue shirts. Sydney try to move it quickly but both defences are settled early.
01:30
The Phoenix have early possession but the Bertos ball into the box is poor and Sydney can clear.
00:01
We are off and underway at the Sydney Football Stadium. This match will be huge with the winner off to Melbourne next week to play the Victory in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Goals | 2 |
| 15 | Shots | 9 |
| 3 | Shots Off | 3 |
| 4 | Corners | 6 |
| 1 | Offside | 1 |
| 10 | Fouls | 13 |
| 2 | Yellows | 0 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
49%
51%
Possession
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Home Team
Score
Away Team
Sat 13 Mar
Sydney FC
v
Phoenix 20:00
| Pl | F | A | Pts | ||
| Sydney FC | 27 | 35 | 23 | 48 | |
| Victory | 27 | 47 | 32 | 47 | |
| Gold Coast Utd | 27 | 39 | 35 | 44 | |
| Phoenix | 27 | 37 | 29 | 40 | |
| Glory | 27 | 40 | 34 | 39 | |
| Jets | 27 | 33 | 45 | 34 | |
| Fury | 27 | 29 | 46 | 32 | |
| Mariners | 27 | 32 | 29 | 30 | |
| Roar | 27 | 32 | 42 | 30 | |
| Reds | 27 | 24 | 33 | 29 |