There aren’t too many words which can describe what transpired on Saturday.
But bear with us, we will do our best.
Central Coast Mariners 2 – 3 Melbourne Victory
This was the match of the round…for a few hours that is.
The Central Coast Mariners appeared to have taken their second major scalp when they shot out to a two-nil lead at halftime against the reigning champions.
Two Andrew Hoole set-piece goals from near identical positions had the Mariners fans dreaming of the upset of the season, as the home side went into the break with a two-goal cushion, but given who they were up against this lead was anything but comfortable.
Like they did against the Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne Victory showed why they are the champions.
Substitute Elvis Kamsoba looked lively and injected some life into the Victory, providing the assist for James Troisi’s 50th minute goal.
Kamsoba was involved in the action for Victory’s second 18 minutes later when his former NPL Victoria opponent Kenny Athiu lobbed Mariners goalkeeper Ben Kennedy for the equaliser, though it appears the goal was recorded as a Kennedy own goal.
From there the Victory did what they did best and win.
Kosta Barbarouses the hero once again, cutting in on his non-preferred foot to swing one past Kennedy to give the Victory the lead and ultimately the three points.
Adelaide United 4 – 3 Brisbane Roar
This time of year seems to bring out the best in the A-League.
Not only was this the third high scoring game this week, but the third seven-goal affair in 2019 and this one was not without controversy.
The seeds for a dramatic affair were set early on when Ken Ilso was sent off for a high tackle on Brisbane’s Matt McKay, allowing the Roar to pounce just ten minutes later when Henrique slipped past the defence to open the scoring.
Henrique’s goal initially ruled offside by the linesman but rectified moments later by the VAR, allowing the goal to stand.
Brisbane then doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Dylan Wenzel-Halls found the back of the net for the first time in his career before Adam Taggart’s 43rd minute goal saw the Roar go three-nil up.
Having come back from a large deficit last week, surely the Roar would be prepared for what was to come, right?
Starring down the barrel of going into halftime three-nil down, Isaias pulled one back on the cusp of half time from a set-piece just outside the box to give the Reds hope heading into the second half.
The hope of a comeback was made all the more possible when Kiwi international Dane Ingham was booked a second time before Brisbane goalkeeper Jamie Young was sent off after colliding with Craig Goodwin, leaving the Roar with nine men.
Adelaide took full advantage of the extra man and scored almost immediately through Craig Goodwin.
The comeback was completed in the 75th minute when last week’s hero George Blackwood rose to head home the equaliser, leaving the home side enough time to find a winner.
The dramatic winner ultimately came, in stoppage time no less, through substitute Nikola Mileusnic whose goal had supporters who left early regretting their decision and capped off one of the league’s greatest comebacks.
Perth Glory 3 – 0 Wellington Phoenix
After three heart-stopping affairs, Perth Glory made light work of the Wellington Phoenix to consolidate their position on top of the table.
Despite a scare inside the first minute when the Phoenix nearly opened the scoring, it was smooth sailing for the league leaders.
Shane Lowry headed home the opening goal in the 19th minute, adding to what has been a standout season for the Glory centre back before returning Socceroo Chris Ikonomides made it two in the 35th minute.
Andy Keogh finished off what was a near flawless performance for the Glory midway through the second half when his long-ranged attempt rolled into the bottom corner.
The loss being Wellington’s worst away from home all season and have since missed the opportunity to jump to fifth on the table.
The Glory meanwhile remain as league leaders ahead of their trip to Melbourne next week for the top of the table clash against the Victory.
