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WEL vs MAC
A-League Men
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Men
Men
Wellington Phoenix
vs
Macarthur
1
FT
2
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 1 - 2
The Wellington Phoenix suffer consecutive defeats for the first time under Italiano and remain winless at home this season. Make sure you stay with us on Tribe for all the rest of the A-League action tonight, with Sydney FC and Western United having just got underway at Allianz. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from Sky Stadium this evening. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.
A bit of a blow for the Phoenix, who suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time in the Giancarlo Italiano era. They were slow to start, and paid the price as Valerie Germain opened the scoring, but found their feet as the half wore on, keeping possession and showing patience in the build-up. As usual, they worked on getting the ball into the box through the work of their press or deliveries off the flanks. Barbarouses continued his hot goal-scoring form just before the break, but the Phoenix couldn't maintain that momentum in the second half. The bench failed to add much of an impact, and they just looked devoid of ideas when Barbarouses was shut out of the game. It's a step backwards for Wellington, and they've got some work to do in the capital.
A big three points for the Macarthur, and perhaps finally a sign that they've found a way to tighten things up defensively. The Bulls recorded their first clean sheet since April last week, and were again impressive at the back to hold out for the win in the Kiwi capital this afternoon. It felt like they were on the back foot for the majority, but they won the crucial moments, pressing when they needed too, and showing a clinical touch going forward with the two goals. Filip Kurto was also excellent in front of his old fans, coming up with two massive saves to keep the Bulls in the game, and his side showed superb game managment to see out the victory.
Fulltime in Wellington and Macarthur have stunned the Phoenix for their first victory on New Zealand soil. It was level at the break, and the momentum appeared to be with the hosts as the game approached the hour mark. The Bulls stepped up and pressed higher though, and backed by the impact of their substitutes, found Dean Bosnjak in the box for his first A-League goal with fifteen minutes to play. Wellington threw numbers forward in a late push, but unlike last season, they couldn't pull off a late comeback, and continue to wait for a win at the Cake Tin in this new campaign.
90+7'
Wellington are down the wrong end of the pitch, and Piol advances down the left flank. Eventually he runs out of play, but Macarthur's game managment is superb.
90+6'
The crowd look to lift Wellington for one final attack. Macarthur continue to sit in and make life difficult. Rufer is at the base of play, with five in the frontline for the hosts. It comes wide for Sheridan, but his pass for Barbarouses is misplaced, and Macarthur hack clear.
90+3'
Play is called on, and the Phoenix lift a long ball over the top for Baarbouses to chase into the box. It's got slightly too much on it though, and beats him over the byline for a Macarthur goal kick.
90+2'
The home fans appeal for the VAR get involved, and the referee is waiting for some advice. Replays show he took an elbow to the head, but it would be harsh for the officials to point to the spot here.
90+1'
Into six minutes of play as the corner off the right is whipped into the middle. Al-Taay goes down and the Phoenix appeal for a penalty. It doesn't go their way though, and the referee shakes his head.