Hyundai A League
Dunedin, 2011-12
Otago Action
Phoenix Beat Brisbane in Dunedin
Rab Smith
Super support for the Phoenix versus Brisbane Roar at the Stadium last night, people from Christchurch to Invercargill turned up to enjoy watching a controlled NZ performance against what was frankly a limp display from the Ozzie side.
If there were prizes for passing and possession, the Roar would would have scooped the pool, but Phoenix absorbed in depth, and on the counter attack - sliced through to score goals from Paul Ifill after 27 minutes, and Nicky Ward kept a cool head to slot the second goal with 10 minutes to go.
The Dunedin public probably expected more from A League Champs Brisbane after a record breaking 36 match run without defeat, but full credit to the Phoenix brilliantly led by captain Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund - Gerry's grandson ...
There will be debate over the size of the crowd, estimated at around 5000, and the cost analysis by Dunedin ratepayers - loss or profit ? But it was a grand evening, and its always good to beat Australians eh?
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Young keen supporters, the James kids, and Southland Stu and grandson .
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Ifill on the gallop and a great shot to open the scoring
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GOAL !
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The kids loved it, and it was even warm enough for some 'skin.'
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The second 'safety' goal, you little beauty
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Former referee impersonator Scott Jarvis in pink, he's allowed
since it was the start of his Stag party, and he may still be zonked...
Video Match Link - Goals and Highlights here
A League Table
Brisbane Roar FC 11 6 2 3 23 11 12 20
Central Coast Mariners FC 10 6 2 2 17 8 9 20
Melbourne Heart FC 10 4 3 3 14 12 2 15
Wellington Phoenix FC 11 4 3 4 12 10 2 15
Sydney FC 10 4 3 3 12 11 1 15
Newcastle Jets FC 10 4 1 5 11 15 -4 13
Perth Glory FC 10 4 1 5 9 13 -4 13
Melbourne Victory FC 10 2 6 2 11 12 -1 12
Adelaide United FC 10 2 4 4 8 18 -10 10
Gold Coast United FC 10 1 3 6 11 18 -7 6