How close is Version 3 of the Hyundai A-League? Confident counter-punching Melbourne Victory came to Lang Park tonight and severely dented Queensland Roar's chances of a first championship, coming away with a 2-1 win over the table-topping locals.
2006-07 champions Melbourne have overcome all their earlier woes to make their mark on this year's title race. They now boast successive away victories against teams that were at the time leading the competition.
The visitors deserved their win in this match, despite the whole-hearted efforts of the home team, cheered on by 21,475 fans. Second-half goals to their two star strikers Daniel Allsopp and Archie Thompson put the Victory into a commanding position, and although Marcinho got one back for the Roar in the 73rd minute, Melbourne were able to hold on for the win.
One talking point after the game was a penalty box incident in the 81st minute, with Melbourne holding a 2-1 lead. The ball bobbled around the danger zone from a corner. Roar's Simon Lynch swung his foot at a volley in the crowded area, and screamed for a penalty as the ball rebounded away. Referee Matthew Breeze was unmoved, but replays showed the canniest of old pros Kevin Muscat had indeed skillfully deflected the ball with his arm, while turning his body to obscure the fact from the referee.
The second half was much better in terms of goalmouth action than the overly cagey first half. The only memorable moments of the first 45 minutes for this writer related to the absolute bath that Robbie Kruse was giving to Melbourne left back Matthew Kemp.
Kruse beat Kemp at least four different ways, mostly with his exceptional first touch on the ball, usually at top speed. While the final result was missing once he got into space, Kruse showed the crowd quite a few glimpses of his very special talent.
But the game was scoreless at the break. Queensland had lost Seo to injury, replaced by Ben Griffin, and Melbourne had lost Nick Ward, with Carlos Hernandez taking up his usual role.
The second half was only 10 minutes old when a sweeping Melbourne break-out put them one goal up. Thompson spread the ball wide left to Hernandez, and Allsopp did what a good centre forward does, getting into the six-yard box ahead of McCloughan for the low cross.
Queensland looked a bit stunned by the goal. They were absolute mullets seven minutes later when Archie Thompson made it 2-0.
Again it was a counter attack. This time Archie Thompson came forward with the ball at his feet and executed the perfect give-and-go with Hernandez. Roar's holding midfielder Chris Grossman was tracking Thompson's run, but the striker clearly had the jump on him, and the return pass from Hernandez found Thompson with time and space to beat Griffin McMaster in style.
Farina sent on Marcinho to add attacking thrust, and reshaped the defence into a back three. The consolation goal came in the 73rd minute, a very well worked move involving Ognenosvki, Simon Lynch, Tahj Minniecon and finally Marcinho, who curled in a fine shot from the top of the 'D'.
Queensland continued to press forward, but their best chance of snatching the draw evaporated with Lynch's exasperated appeal to Breeze in the 81st minute.
Won't it be interesting over the next month? Can anyone find a form line to suggest a winner of this league? I don't know if my nerves can stand it … but I wouldn't have it any other way!