Melbourne Heart FC has claimed its second win of the Hyundai A-League season after overcoming the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at AAMI Park.
Melbourne Heart FC has claimed its second win of the Hyundai A-League season after overcoming the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at AAMI Park.
Following a hard fought opening stanza, the contest was set alight during the second half as Heart took the lead through a well worked John Aloisi goal and a stellar long range effort from Alex Terra.
Phoenix clawed a goal back in the final 15 minutes, but the home side remained resolute to secure the three points and climb up the Hyundai A-League table.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip said he was pleased with the performance, which highlighted Heart-s commitment to attacking and flair filled football.
“I think we showed some good football today and we created some good chances to score goals, particularly in the second half,” he said.
“At the end of the course, when they made it 2-1 we suffered a little bit, but we managed it very well and worked hard. I have to give all the boys a compliment for their performance today.
“We were playing some good football, and nice things for the people to see as well, but in the end, you have to make chances, and we did.”
Heart made a strong start, immediately testing Phoenix down the left hand flank, with Dean Heffernan pushing forward deep into the attacking half.
And within five minutes, the home side was presented with its opening chance of the contest as Simon Colosimo glanced a header agonisingly wide of the far post.
On his return from injury, Josip Skoko appeared in ominous form, linking well with fellow midfielder Matt Thompson in van ‘t Schip-s revamped formation.
However, following the early lapse, Wellington soon settled into its rhythm, with Leo Bertos and Paul Ifill looking dangerous on the opposing flanks.
And it was indeed a ball from Bertos which nearly provided Phoenix with the opener, as the Kiwi World Cup star played a low cross into Chris Greenacre, who prodded his shot wide.
Playing in a withdrawn creative midfield position, Gerald Sibon appeared to revel in his newfound role, using his deft touch and vision to draw forwards Alex Terra and John Aloisi into the play.
The former Ajax and PSV striker though soon found himself with a chance to send Heart into the lead, sending his half-volleyed effort high.
But just after the break, Sibon turned provider, playing a low ball across the face of goal which found Aloisi at the back post, who applied the finishing touch to hand Heart the lead in the 50th minute.
Aloisi could have made it 2-0 soon after, but his effort from close range crashed into the cross bar after an Alex Terra effort was parried by Danny Vukovic.
Alex Terra though duly doubled the lead in the 66th minute, thundering home a rasping left foot drive after capitalising on impressive defensive work from Sibon.
Heart appeared rejuvenated in the second half, dazzling with its attacking, technical approach as Rutger Worm, Alex Terra and Sibon unlocked the Phoenix defence with a series of flicks and tricks.
But Tim Brown breathed life back into the contest in the 75th minute, volleying home a stellar cross from Ifill to ensure would be forced to fight to the final minute to secure its second win.
Melbourne Heart FC 2 (Aloisi 50-, Alex Terra 66-)
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Brown 75-)
AAMI Park, Melbourne
