Last-minute Petrovski goal sinks Phoenix
Monday, 22 October 2007
SYDNEY, Oct 21 (AFP): Central Coast Mariners' striker Sasho Petrovski scored in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix Sunday and open a three-point lead at the top of the Australian A-League table.
The former Sydney FC striker had earlier missed a penalty but redeemed himself when he capitalised on a terrible defensive blunder from Phoenix defender Jeremy Christie to steal all three points from a brave Wellington side.
The match had looked to be heading for a draw following first half goals to the Mariners' Dean Heffernan and star Phoenix recruit Ahmad Elrich before Petrovkski's late winner.
Central Coast moved to 17 points on the ladder, three clear of Adelaide, Newcastle and Melbourne.
Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez grabbed his first A-League goal with a fine 25th minute effort as the Melbourne Victory extended Perth Glory's miserable run to nine games without a win.
In a first half dominated by the Victory, Rodrigo Vargas added a second in the 33rd minute before Jamie Harnwell gave the visiting Glory fans hope just before the break.
But despite dominating for much of the second period, the Glory couldn't break down the Victory defence and remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just five points from nine matches.
Adelaide broke their hoodoo in Sydney when they beat the home side with a lone strike to Lucas Pantelis.
With new signing ex-Leeds forward Michael Bridges looking on, injury depleted Sydney matched the visiting Adelaide everywhere but the scoreboard.
The former Sydney FC striker had earlier missed a penalty but redeemed himself when he capitalised on a terrible defensive blunder from Phoenix defender Jeremy Christie to steal all three points from a brave Wellington side.
The match had looked to be heading for a draw following first half goals to the Mariners' Dean Heffernan and star Phoenix recruit Ahmad Elrich before Petrovkski's late winner.
Central Coast moved to 17 points on the ladder, three clear of Adelaide, Newcastle and Melbourne.
Costa Rican international Carlos Hernandez grabbed his first A-League goal with a fine 25th minute effort as the Melbourne Victory extended Perth Glory's miserable run to nine games without a win.
In a first half dominated by the Victory, Rodrigo Vargas added a second in the 33rd minute before Jamie Harnwell gave the visiting Glory fans hope just before the break.
But despite dominating for much of the second period, the Glory couldn't break down the Victory defence and remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just five points from nine matches.
Adelaide broke their hoodoo in Sydney when they beat the home side with a lone strike to Lucas Pantelis.
With new signing ex-Leeds forward Michael Bridges looking on, injury depleted Sydney matched the visiting Adelaide everywhere but the scoreboard.