Gold Coast United
Skilled Park
Sunday, 7 Feb 2010
6:00PM AEST
Wellington Phoenix
Preview: Gold Coast United v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Sunday February 7
Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT, 7:00pm AEST
Venue: Skilled Park, Robina
Head-to-head
Played 2: Wins: Gold Coast United 0. Wellington Phoenix 1, Draws: 1
Previous Meeting
Wellington Phoenix 6, Gold Coast United 0, October 2009
Past five matches:
Gold Coast:
Round 22: Gold Coast United 1, Adelaide United 1, Skilled Park
Round 19: Gold Coast United 2, Newcastle Jets 0, Skilled Park
Round 23: Sydney FC 0, Gold Coast United 1, Sydney Football Stadium
Round 24: Central Coast Mariners 1, Gold Coast United 1, Skilled Park
Round 25: Gold Coast United 1, Melbourne Victory 0, Skilled Park
Wellington Phoenix:
Round 22: Wellington Phoenix 3, Brisbane Roar 1, Westpac Stadium
Round 23: Wellington Phoenix 3, North Queensland Fury 0, Westpac Stadium
Round 24: Perth Glory 2, Wellington Phoenix 0, ME Bank Stadium
Round 19: Melbourne Victory 4, Wellington Phoenix 0, Etihad Stadium
Round 25: Wellington Phoenix 1, Adelaide Reds 0, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Analysis:
Two likely Hyundai A-League finalists meet at Skilled Park on Sunday in a match that not only gives us an early taste of finals action, but could seriously shape the respective championship prospects of both of these teams.
Gold Coast is in a dogfight with both Melbourne and Sydney for the Premiers' Plate and currently sits second on goal difference behind Melbourne with two matches remaining. Sydney looms just two points further back, threatening to spoil United's hopes of finishing top two at season's end.
A top two spot is vital in terms of a team's prospects of making it through to the Grand Final, with a double chance for those teams, while third must go through a serious of one off elimination finals.
Gold Coast finishes off its campaign with an away trip to Townsville so a win against Wellington this weekend will be a huge boost in United's hopes of finishing top two. However, given the way the Phoenix demolished them when they last met in November, there is no danger of Gold Coast approaching the match with over-confidence, despite a sensational 1-0 win over Melbourne last week.
Gold Coast's form is the best in the league at the moment. Unbeaten in seven, including five wins, Miron Bleiberg's men are peaking at the right time of year. Their challenge for the title has been built on an imposing home record which reads six wins and a draw from their past seven matches at Skilled Park.
Steve Pantelidis is the only player missing from that impressive win over Melbourne last week, while Bleiberg has kept his options open by including James Brown, Andrew Barisic, Matt Osman and Steve Fitzsimmons in an extended squad.
Wellington's target is to first of all secure a finals place, which seems very likely, but more importantly take fourth spot which would see the Phoenix host their first-ever final. Given they have not lost at Westpac Stadium since 2008, it would be a massive boost to their chances if they could do that, but a win against Gold Coast this weekend is a must.
Ricki Herbert's side bounced back to form last week, eking out a 1-0 win over Adelaide thanks to an early goal from Jon McKain. It was a much-needed boost after back to-back away losses in the previous week.
The Phoenix would have appreciated an eight-day break heading into this match and Herbert can take close to the same squad into this match. The only change sees Vince Lia come back in for an omitted Diego.
Given Gold Coast's strong home record and the fact the Phoenix have managed just two wins on the road all season, you would think United would have the edge. But the manner in which Wellington took Gold Coast apart in that 6-0 win at Westpac Stadium sticks in the mind. Bleiberg has admitted in the build-up to this game that that result has entered his thoughts.
It will be a measure of the maturation of the Gold Coast team over the past two months if it is able to put that behind it and turn things around in this vital match.
Gold Coast United Squad: 1.Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 3.Michael THWAITE, 5.ROBSON, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 8.ANDERSON, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 11.Charlie MILLER, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 18.James BROWN, 19.Andrew BARISIC, 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 36.Dino DJULBIC
*three to be omitted
In: James BROWN (promoted), Andrew BARISIC (promoted), Matt OSMAN (promoted), Steve FITZSIMMONS (promoted).
Out: Steve PANTELIDIS (suspended – 5 games).
Unavailable: Adama TRAORE (ankle injury – 2 weeks), Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury – indefinite).
Wellington Phoenix squad: 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 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), 40. Liam REDDY (gk)
*one to be omitted
In: Vince LIA (return from suspension)
Out: DIEGO (omitted)
Unavailable: Mark PASTON (gk) (leg – season)
Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT, 7:00pm AEST
Venue: Skilled Park, Robina
Head-to-head
Played 2: Wins: Gold Coast United 0. Wellington Phoenix 1, Draws: 1
Previous Meeting
Wellington Phoenix 6, Gold Coast United 0, October 2009
Past five matches:
Gold Coast:
Round 22: Gold Coast United 1, Adelaide United 1, Skilled Park
Round 19: Gold Coast United 2, Newcastle Jets 0, Skilled Park
Round 23: Sydney FC 0, Gold Coast United 1, Sydney Football Stadium
Round 24: Central Coast Mariners 1, Gold Coast United 1, Skilled Park
Round 25: Gold Coast United 1, Melbourne Victory 0, Skilled Park
Wellington Phoenix:
Round 22: Wellington Phoenix 3, Brisbane Roar 1, Westpac Stadium
Round 23: Wellington Phoenix 3, North Queensland Fury 0, Westpac Stadium
Round 24: Perth Glory 2, Wellington Phoenix 0, ME Bank Stadium
Round 19: Melbourne Victory 4, Wellington Phoenix 0, Etihad Stadium
Round 25: Wellington Phoenix 1, Adelaide Reds 0, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Analysis:
Two likely Hyundai A-League finalists meet at Skilled Park on Sunday in a match that not only gives us an early taste of finals action, but could seriously shape the respective championship prospects of both of these teams.
Gold Coast is in a dogfight with both Melbourne and Sydney for the Premiers' Plate and currently sits second on goal difference behind Melbourne with two matches remaining. Sydney looms just two points further back, threatening to spoil United's hopes of finishing top two at season's end.
A top two spot is vital in terms of a team's prospects of making it through to the Grand Final, with a double chance for those teams, while third must go through a serious of one off elimination finals.
Gold Coast finishes off its campaign with an away trip to Townsville so a win against Wellington this weekend will be a huge boost in United's hopes of finishing top two. However, given the way the Phoenix demolished them when they last met in November, there is no danger of Gold Coast approaching the match with over-confidence, despite a sensational 1-0 win over Melbourne last week.
Gold Coast's form is the best in the league at the moment. Unbeaten in seven, including five wins, Miron Bleiberg's men are peaking at the right time of year. Their challenge for the title has been built on an imposing home record which reads six wins and a draw from their past seven matches at Skilled Park.
Steve Pantelidis is the only player missing from that impressive win over Melbourne last week, while Bleiberg has kept his options open by including James Brown, Andrew Barisic, Matt Osman and Steve Fitzsimmons in an extended squad.
Wellington's target is to first of all secure a finals place, which seems very likely, but more importantly take fourth spot which would see the Phoenix host their first-ever final. Given they have not lost at Westpac Stadium since 2008, it would be a massive boost to their chances if they could do that, but a win against Gold Coast this weekend is a must.
Ricki Herbert's side bounced back to form last week, eking out a 1-0 win over Adelaide thanks to an early goal from Jon McKain. It was a much-needed boost after back to-back away losses in the previous week.
The Phoenix would have appreciated an eight-day break heading into this match and Herbert can take close to the same squad into this match. The only change sees Vince Lia come back in for an omitted Diego.
Given Gold Coast's strong home record and the fact the Phoenix have managed just two wins on the road all season, you would think United would have the edge. But the manner in which Wellington took Gold Coast apart in that 6-0 win at Westpac Stadium sticks in the mind. Bleiberg has admitted in the build-up to this game that that result has entered his thoughts.
It will be a measure of the maturation of the Gold Coast team over the past two months if it is able to put that behind it and turn things around in this vital match.
Gold Coast United Squad: 1.Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 3.Michael THWAITE, 5.ROBSON, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 8.ANDERSON, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 11.Charlie MILLER, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 18.James BROWN, 19.Andrew BARISIC, 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 36.Dino DJULBIC
*three to be omitted
In: James BROWN (promoted), Andrew BARISIC (promoted), Matt OSMAN (promoted), Steve FITZSIMMONS (promoted).
Out: Steve PANTELIDIS (suspended – 5 games).
Unavailable: Adama TRAORE (ankle injury – 2 weeks), Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury – indefinite).
Wellington Phoenix squad: 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 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), 40. Liam REDDY (gk)
*one to be omitted
In: Vince LIA (return from suspension)
Out: DIEGO (omitted)
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 |
92:00
It's all over and the Wellington Phoenix have defeated Gold Coast United 1-0 to advance to fourth position.
91:55
Wellington just holding onto possession and have the free kick deep in attack.
90:40
Fitzsimmons tries one from well outside the box, but Reddy would not have worried too much about that one as it fades to the right.
90:00
Two minutes of added time will be played.
87:35
Anywhere will do for the Phoenix defence as they seek to kick the ball out of danger.
85:45
Smeltz wins the header deep in the box, but Reddy is on top of his game at the moment and takes it with ease.
85:10
The Gold Coast make one last ditch effort here with Fitzsimmons replacing a tired Miller.
84:15
Culina finds Miller in the box, but the veteran could not get any power on the shot as it trickles into the waiting arms of Reddy.
83:20
Wellington continue to defend as the Gold Coast continue to look for the equaliser.
81:50
Greenacre crosses to Dadi in the box whose header narrowly misses the top right corner.
79:40
A win here for the Phoenix will see them move to the highly sought after fourth position.
78:10
The Wellington defence is under pressure, but they are handling the job well.
77:00
Culina runs on the overlap and from outside the box shoots to the bottom right corner. Reddy stretches to make the save before Barisic fouls him.
75:30
Wellington are employing numbers back leaving the Gold Coast with no alternative but to shoot from distance. Not an easy task with the greasy ball.
74:40
Robson is in good position outside the box and tries a shot that fades across the face.
72:25
Culina is tackled by McKain and he stays down. The ball is knocked out to play so Culina can receive some treatment.
71:10
Miller takes it and smashes it straight into the wall so an opportunity goes begging for the home team.
70:20
Gold Coast have a free kick in the centre right on the edge of the penalty box. Who will take it?
66:30
The Gold Coast bring on Barisic for Caravella.
66:10
Phoenix replace Muscat with Dadi in a strange move given that the Phoenix lead.
65:20
Culina smashes a firm shot at Reddy from outside the box, but he is able to cover it.
63:45
Robson receives the backheel from Culina but his shot goes wide.
61:30
Smeltz tries one from distance, but he fails to score against his former side with that effort.
58:35
Culina is the recipient of the short corner. He runs to the edge of the box, spins and blazes away. He certainly does not have his kicking boots on today.
56:45
Ifill's shot is misdirected, but Greenacre gets his boot onto the end of it but he misses narrowly.
56:10
Wellington are still pressing with aims to double their advantage.
53:00
Djulbic makes way for Robson as the Gold Coast make their first change.
49:00
The Gold Coast have a free kick in a dangerous position, just beyond the edge of the box. Culina takes it directly, but Reddy has it covered.
46:55
Culina with a good ball to Porter who is in behind the defence, but McKain gets back in time to halt any progress.
45:01
The second half is underway.
45:00
PENALTY GOAL PHOENIX - Ifill runs to the spot and places it perfectly into the bottom left corner, giving Vanstrattan absolutely no chance. Phoenix lead 1-0.
45:00
At half-time, the Phoenix lead 1-0.
44:50
Wellington have been given the penalty with van den Brink bringing down Brown in the box.
43:50
Anderson dives in on McKain and he too is also booked.
41:55
Durante also enters the book after his yellow card for the solid challenge on Djulbic.
40:20
Caravella is booked for simulation as McKain shows his appreciation for his efforts.
37:45
Smeltz gets away from Durante and McKain before running into the box, but Brown gets back with a scrambling tackle to save the day.
33:10
Culina passes inside to Thwaite whose chip attempt to Porter is poor.
32:35
Anderson and Miller combine with a delicate one two combination before Miller's shot which is stopped by Reddy down low.
30:10
Miller looks for Porter in the box with a long ball but McKain cuts it off.
26:50
Gold Coast need to win here to maintain their chance of winning the minor premiership.
23:45
Porter finds Culina on the edge of the box, but the captain's effort is disappointing as it goes well over the cross bar.
20:20
Muscat is booked for his challenge on Thwaite with his studs showing.
18:55
Miller has been booked for lashing out at Brown.
15:50
Lia tries one from outside the box, forcing Vanstrattan to make the save.
13:20
Caceres swings in the free kick to the far post where Durante meets it with an outstretched leg and hits the post! For someone who hasn't scored in the A-League, he won't get any closer.
11:45
Gold Coast win the corner with McKain blocking the cross. The corner gets played to the far post where Thwaite gets the header on goal, but Reddy has it covered.
08:20
Wellington fans will be proud of their team's achievement in making the finals for the first time.
04:40
Lochhead runs down the left but sends his cross in when not fully balanced and the ball goes out of play for a goal kick.
01:10
Caravella crosses into the box in the Smeltz direction, but Durante heads clear.
00:01
We are off and underway at Skilled Park.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
| 20 | Shots | 6 |
| 7 | Shots Off | 4 |
| 8 | Corners | 2 |
| 6 | Offside | 1 |
| 11 | Fouls | 20 |
| 3 | Yellows | 1 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
60%
40%
Possession
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
| 20 | Shots | 6 |
| 7 | Shots Off | 4 |
| 8 | Corners | 2 |
| 6 | Offside | 1 |
| 11 | Fouls | 20 |
| 3 | Yellows | 1 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
60%
40%
Possession
Phoenix stun GCU
The Wellington Phoenix have dashed any hope of Gold Coast United taking out the Hyundai A-league Premiers' Plate with a late first-half penalty crushing the home side at Skilled Park on Sunday night.
Defender Sebastiaan Van den brink's questionable challenge on Tim Brown earned the Phoenix a penalty in first-half stoppage time with journeyman Paul Ifill stepping up to firmly confirm Wellington as Gold Coast'’s bogey side.
The home side tried to rally in the second half but were unable to break down a resilient Wellington defence with goalkeeper Liam Reddy denying the Gold Coast on more than one occasion.
With Melbourne and Sydney both registering wins this weekend the result means that Gold Coast slips to third three points behind league leaders Victory and two behind second-placed Sydney.
The best Gold Coast can hope for is finishing second with the Hyundai A-league decider set for next week when the Sky Blues host the Victory.
Before the opening whistle, Gold Coast's playing stocks took a blow when young gun Tahj Minniecon picked up a thigh injury during the warm up. Coach Miron Bleiberg was forced to make a quick change and impact striker Andrew Barisic was given his chance on the bench.
After heavy rain pounded the Gold Coast overnight there were concerns that the match would be postponed, however an early morning pitch inspection left match officials satisfied with Skilled Park's modern drainage system.
Wellington gave United a scare in the 13th minute when Andrew Durante did well to meet Adrian Caceres' well whipped in free-kick, the Phoenix captain unlucky not to score after his effort crashed into the upright and bounced out.
Two minutes later the visitors threatened again as Gold Coast goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan was then forced to scramble low to his left making a great save to turn Vince Lia's long range effort out of play.
With experienced Referee Mathew Breeze overseeing proceedings, Maltese international Manny Muscat quickly found his way into the book after a sliding tackle on Michael Thwaite in the 20th minute.
Charlie Miller had the hosts' first effort of the night just after the half-hour mark when he pulled the trigger from just outside the box, but the effort was a little too straight and didn't test Liam Reddy in the Phoenix goal.
Not afraid to pull out his cards in the first half, Breeze stamped his authority on the match brandishing a total of five yellow's for the half including three in three minutes as Miller, Zenon Caravella and Anderson saw yellow for the home side, while Durante's name was taken after a tough challenge on right-back Dino Djulbic.
With the match looking destined to head into the break scoreless, drama struck in stoppage time when van den Brink was adjudged to have brought down Brown just inside the penalty area.
Breeze had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Ifill stepped up to take responsibility slamming his effort low into the bottom corner and giving the away side a much needed boost going into the second-half.
Incensed at the penalty decision a furious Bleiberg confronted Breeze as both teams headed for the tunnel, having plenty to say at the veteran match official.
With a real hurdle to climb in the second stanza Jason Culina tested Reddy from a free-kick early but Wellington had a great chance to double its lead in the 56th minute when Chris Greenacre's effort went just inches over the cross-bar after he stuck a foot in the path of Ifill's stinging left-foot effort.
As the rain began to fall in Robina on the hour-mark, Shane Smeltz blazed high and wide with Culina driving a speculative effort directly at Reddy from long range five minutes later.
As Gold Coast looked for the equaliser the Phoenix defence held firm with Jon McKain and Durante making crucial tackles that stifled Smeltz and his team-mates.
With 15 minutes to go Culina unleashed another low drive on target from outside the box, but with the ball looking destined for the net Reddy pulled off a brilliant diving save to his right.
Committed up the park United was left exposed and second-half substitute Eugene Dadi came close to securing the three points with a header that drifted wide with time ticking away.
With five minutes left Reddy made another great save to deny Smeltz's looping goal bound header as the Phoenix held on for a famous victory.
Gold Coast United 0
Wellington Phoenix 1
(Ifill 45p)
@ Skilled Park 7/2/10. Crowd: 4202
Defender Sebastiaan Van den brink's questionable challenge on Tim Brown earned the Phoenix a penalty in first-half stoppage time with journeyman Paul Ifill stepping up to firmly confirm Wellington as Gold Coast'’s bogey side.
The home side tried to rally in the second half but were unable to break down a resilient Wellington defence with goalkeeper Liam Reddy denying the Gold Coast on more than one occasion.
With Melbourne and Sydney both registering wins this weekend the result means that Gold Coast slips to third three points behind league leaders Victory and two behind second-placed Sydney.
The best Gold Coast can hope for is finishing second with the Hyundai A-league decider set for next week when the Sky Blues host the Victory.
Before the opening whistle, Gold Coast's playing stocks took a blow when young gun Tahj Minniecon picked up a thigh injury during the warm up. Coach Miron Bleiberg was forced to make a quick change and impact striker Andrew Barisic was given his chance on the bench.
After heavy rain pounded the Gold Coast overnight there were concerns that the match would be postponed, however an early morning pitch inspection left match officials satisfied with Skilled Park's modern drainage system.
Wellington gave United a scare in the 13th minute when Andrew Durante did well to meet Adrian Caceres' well whipped in free-kick, the Phoenix captain unlucky not to score after his effort crashed into the upright and bounced out.
Two minutes later the visitors threatened again as Gold Coast goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan was then forced to scramble low to his left making a great save to turn Vince Lia's long range effort out of play.
With experienced Referee Mathew Breeze overseeing proceedings, Maltese international Manny Muscat quickly found his way into the book after a sliding tackle on Michael Thwaite in the 20th minute.
Charlie Miller had the hosts' first effort of the night just after the half-hour mark when he pulled the trigger from just outside the box, but the effort was a little too straight and didn't test Liam Reddy in the Phoenix goal.
Not afraid to pull out his cards in the first half, Breeze stamped his authority on the match brandishing a total of five yellow's for the half including three in three minutes as Miller, Zenon Caravella and Anderson saw yellow for the home side, while Durante's name was taken after a tough challenge on right-back Dino Djulbic.
With the match looking destined to head into the break scoreless, drama struck in stoppage time when van den Brink was adjudged to have brought down Brown just inside the penalty area.
Breeze had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Ifill stepped up to take responsibility slamming his effort low into the bottom corner and giving the away side a much needed boost going into the second-half.
Incensed at the penalty decision a furious Bleiberg confronted Breeze as both teams headed for the tunnel, having plenty to say at the veteran match official.
With a real hurdle to climb in the second stanza Jason Culina tested Reddy from a free-kick early but Wellington had a great chance to double its lead in the 56th minute when Chris Greenacre's effort went just inches over the cross-bar after he stuck a foot in the path of Ifill's stinging left-foot effort.
As the rain began to fall in Robina on the hour-mark, Shane Smeltz blazed high and wide with Culina driving a speculative effort directly at Reddy from long range five minutes later.
As Gold Coast looked for the equaliser the Phoenix defence held firm with Jon McKain and Durante making crucial tackles that stifled Smeltz and his team-mates.
With 15 minutes to go Culina unleashed another low drive on target from outside the box, but with the ball looking destined for the net Reddy pulled off a brilliant diving save to his right.
Committed up the park United was left exposed and second-half substitute Eugene Dadi came close to securing the three points with a header that drifted wide with time ticking away.
With five minutes left Reddy made another great save to deny Smeltz's looping goal bound header as the Phoenix held on for a famous victory.
Gold Coast United 0
Wellington Phoenix 1
(Ifill 45p)
@ Skilled Park 7/2/10. Crowd: 4202
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
| 20 | Shots | 6 |
| 7 | Shots Off | 4 |
| 8 | Corners | 2 |
| 6 | Offside | 1 |
| 11 | Fouls | 20 |
| 3 | Yellows | 1 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
60%
40%
Possession
92:00
It's all over and the Wellington Phoenix have defeated Gold Coast United 1-0 to advance to fourth position.
91:55
Wellington just holding onto possession and have the free kick deep in attack.
90:40
Fitzsimmons tries one from well outside the box, but Reddy would not have worried too much about that one as it fades to the right.
90:00
Two minutes of added time will be played.
87:35
Anywhere will do for the Phoenix defence as they seek to kick the ball out of danger.
85:45
Smeltz wins the header deep in the box, but Reddy is on top of his game at the moment and takes it with ease.
85:10
The Gold Coast make one last ditch effort here with Fitzsimmons replacing a tired Miller.
84:15
Culina finds Miller in the box, but the veteran could not get any power on the shot as it trickles into the waiting arms of Reddy.
83:20
Wellington continue to defend as the Gold Coast continue to look for the equaliser.
81:50
Greenacre crosses to Dadi in the box whose header narrowly misses the top right corner.
79:40
A win here for the Phoenix will see them move to the highly sought after fourth position.
78:10
The Wellington defence is under pressure, but they are handling the job well.
77:00
Culina runs on the overlap and from outside the box shoots to the bottom right corner. Reddy stretches to make the save before Barisic fouls him.
75:30
Wellington are employing numbers back leaving the Gold Coast with no alternative but to shoot from distance. Not an easy task with the greasy ball.
74:40
Robson is in good position outside the box and tries a shot that fades across the face.
72:25
Culina is tackled by McKain and he stays down. The ball is knocked out to play so Culina can receive some treatment.
71:10
Miller takes it and smashes it straight into the wall so an opportunity goes begging for the home team.
70:20
Gold Coast have a free kick in the centre right on the edge of the penalty box. Who will take it?
66:30
The Gold Coast bring on Barisic for Caravella.
66:10
Phoenix replace Muscat with Dadi in a strange move given that the Phoenix lead.
65:20
Culina smashes a firm shot at Reddy from outside the box, but he is able to cover it.
63:45
Robson receives the backheel from Culina but his shot goes wide.
61:30
Smeltz tries one from distance, but he fails to score against his former side with that effort.
58:35
Culina is the recipient of the short corner. He runs to the edge of the box, spins and blazes away. He certainly does not have his kicking boots on today.
56:45
Ifill's shot is misdirected, but Greenacre gets his boot onto the end of it but he misses narrowly.
56:10
Wellington are still pressing with aims to double their advantage.
53:00
Djulbic makes way for Robson as the Gold Coast make their first change.
49:00
The Gold Coast have a free kick in a dangerous position, just beyond the edge of the box. Culina takes it directly, but Reddy has it covered.
46:55
Culina with a good ball to Porter who is in behind the defence, but McKain gets back in time to halt any progress.
45:01
The second half is underway.
45:00
PENALTY GOAL PHOENIX - Ifill runs to the spot and places it perfectly into the bottom left corner, giving Vanstrattan absolutely no chance. Phoenix lead 1-0.
45:00
At half-time, the Phoenix lead 1-0.
44:50
Wellington have been given the penalty with van den Brink bringing down Brown in the box.
43:50
Anderson dives in on McKain and he too is also booked.
41:55
Durante also enters the book after his yellow card for the solid challenge on Djulbic.
40:20
Caravella is booked for simulation as McKain shows his appreciation for his efforts.
37:45
Smeltz gets away from Durante and McKain before running into the box, but Brown gets back with a scrambling tackle to save the day.
33:10
Culina passes inside to Thwaite whose chip attempt to Porter is poor.
32:35
Anderson and Miller combine with a delicate one two combination before Miller's shot which is stopped by Reddy down low.
30:10
Miller looks for Porter in the box with a long ball but McKain cuts it off.
26:50
Gold Coast need to win here to maintain their chance of winning the minor premiership.
23:45
Porter finds Culina on the edge of the box, but the captain's effort is disappointing as it goes well over the cross bar.
20:20
Muscat is booked for his challenge on Thwaite with his studs showing.
18:55
Miller has been booked for lashing out at Brown.
15:50
Lia tries one from outside the box, forcing Vanstrattan to make the save.
13:20
Caceres swings in the free kick to the far post where Durante meets it with an outstretched leg and hits the post! For someone who hasn't scored in the A-League, he won't get any closer.
11:45
Gold Coast win the corner with McKain blocking the cross. The corner gets played to the far post where Thwaite gets the header on goal, but Reddy has it covered.
08:20
Wellington fans will be proud of their team's achievement in making the finals for the first time.
04:40
Lochhead runs down the left but sends his cross in when not fully balanced and the ball goes out of play for a goal kick.
01:10
Caravella crosses into the box in the Smeltz direction, but Durante heads clear.
00:01
We are off and underway at Skilled Park.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
| 20 | Shots | 6 |
| 7 | Shots Off | 4 |
| 8 | Corners | 2 |
| 6 | Offside | 1 |
| 11 | Fouls | 20 |
| 3 | Yellows | 1 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
60%
40%
Possession
 | Fantasy Sports Sportal gives you the chance to play selector and coach. Pick your Dream Team and take on your friends in Rugby, League, Cricket and Football. | |
 | Have Your Say There's a big community of fellow sports fans in the Sportal Forums. Sign up and share your thoughts and opinions. | |
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Sat 06 Feb
Reds
v
Roar 19:30
Sun 07 Feb
Sydney FC
v
Glory 17:00
Gold Coast Utd
v
Phoenix 18:00
Mon 08 Feb
Mariners
v
Jets 19:30
| Pl | F | A | Pts | ||
| Victory | 26 | 47 | 30 | 47 | |
| Sydney FC | 26 | 33 | 23 | 45 | |
| Gold Coast Utd | 26 | 38 | 33 | 44 | |
| Phoenix | 26 | 34 | 29 | 37 | |
| Glory | 26 | 38 | 34 | 36 | |
| Jets | 25 | 32 | 40 | 34 | |
| Roar | 26 | 32 | 40 | 30 | |
| Fury | 26 | 27 | 45 | 29 | |
| Mariners | 25 | 29 | 26 | 27 | |
| Reds | 26 | 22 | 32 | 26 |