Phoenix rising, but Melbourne still top

Despite the efforts of the dozen Melbourne fans trying to inspire the players to lift their game against the Phoenix, it was the home support that came away cheering.

Wellington looked the livelier side for most of the game, especially after they equalised within a minute of Danny Allsopp’s opener in the first half. With both sides on a goal, the Phoenix always looked the more likely to break the deadlock. And they did, courtesy of Shane Smeltz.

After Allsopp’s goal, I don’t recall any Victory players managing a shot on target until the final twenty minutes. Thompson had a poor, frustrating game, while the midfield comprised of Celeski, Pondeljak and Brebner failed to control the play. Fred, in his second game for the Phoenix, gave Wellington the spark it needed.

Ernie Merrick’s half-time substitution, Nick Ward for Grant Brebner, failed to give Melbourne the spark it needed. That spark didn’t come until Carlos Hernández was eventually given a run halfway through the second half. Hernández didn’t solve all of Melbourne’s problems, but he had an obvious impact, exercising control and providing stronger support for the attackers.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr-PuzJbmiY[/youtube]

It was a disappointing loss, but the other results on the weekend (three draws) mean that Melbourne has retained its lead, albeit shortened to just two points. Wellington is now in fifth place, tied on points with the Central Coast Mariners. The Perth Glory, next week’s opponent, gave up a lead in the last minute against the Mariners, turning this Saturday’s game into a must-win for the Glory.