Interesting Hit out For City

By Mark Humphrey

Aaron Mooy was busy for City in the 1st half

History was made tonight as the re-badged Melbourne City FC took to the Morshead Park pitch in Ballarat for their first ever hit out in the City strip against NPL team the Ballarat Red Devils.

Although it was a complete mismatch between the 2 sides with the more superior A-League team Melbourne City expected to dominate, interest lay in the set up and balance of the team and more importantly the new faces donning the City jersey.

Massimo Murdocca shows off the new city strip in less than perfect weather conditions.

Plenty of regular faces took to the pitch for the first half with Mate Dugandzic dominating down the left hand side of the pitch. Dugandzic worked in well with David Williams crossing the ball between each other on several occasions during the half. Dugandzic was especially dangerous in front of goal and had posted 2 first half goals inside the first 10 minutes. Williams was also able to put one into the back of the net courtesy of a clever Dugandzic cross but missed another opportunity later on in the half. For Williams to take the next step it is imperative that he takes the half chances that often get presented to him. His general play is clever and more often than not he finds himself in the right spot only to let himself down with some substandard shooting. Robbie Wielaert found himself forward and managed to also score for the visitors giving them a 4-0 lead at the break.

Although the game was played in poor conditions the re-badged City team looked much the same as the old Heart. The forward structure was non-existent with only Dugandzic able to break the lines and score freely. Without the efforts of Dugandzic the team resembled much of what we got last year. There didn’t seem to be any structure going into attack with the front of the goals looking more like Bourke Street on a busy shopping day. Time after time the ball was sent into the pack with the Red Devils able to repel the ball with ease. It was only when City found the outside players that they looked threatening. There didn’t seem to be any points of recognition as far as an attacking plan goes with most congregating down the tram lines. Take out the scoring efforts of Dugandzic and Williams to a lesser degree and Melbourne City looked to struggle against an opposition team that although gallant had nowhere near the quality of player.

City went into the break leading 4-0 as the rain continued to tumble. Nothing in the first half outside of Dugandzic looked to be positive with regards to constructive scoring. As always the City defence was rock solid allowing the Red Devils only one genuine scoring opportunity during the first half which was easily kept out by Tando Velaphi.

Wholesale changes were made at half time with 11 new guys hitting the pitch for the second half action.

The first thing you noticed about the new look team was the attacking style of play. Time after time City ran the ball down the line to players like Ben Garuccio and Jacob Melling who were breaking the lines with ease and setting up scoring opportunities with perfectly placed crosses. All of a sudden City looked to have a plan with players setting up out wide ready to expose their opposition. Billy Konstantinidis set up out front and was a focal point during the half with Melling, Garuccio and Anthony Rizk continually getting the ball to the top of the square. Some of the crosses laid up by the forwards were done with pin point accuracy and even though City players found themselves out of position to capitalise, it was an encouraging aspect of the half and no doubt something for City supporters to hang their hat on.

Ben Garuccio livened up the game in the second half

Massimo Murdocca was busy in front of goal and one piece of play from the little dynamo was simply stunning as he moved the ball past several opponents wrong footing them all. Murdocca seemed to fit in well with the explosive breaks created by the City forwards. Konstantinidis headed in the City’s 5^th with James Brown dropping the 6^th after Konstantinidis had dropped the ball dead in front of goal.

All up it wasn’t a bad hit out for both teams but as expected City dominated the game with some exciting 2^nd half play that just might be the future of the club. City fans definitely have something to look forward to as the club works towards the season proper. No date has been set for their next hit out but check their web site for future announcements.

CITY ACTION

Mariners lock out the Heart.

By Mark Humphrey

Melbourne Heart was at home taking on the Central Coast Mariners who needed to win to keep in touch with the top 4. From the outset the Mariners made their intentions clear by shutting down the Heart attack as a priority.

Mariners were superb in defence and finished up  winning 2-1 courtesy of goals by Kim Seung-yong right on the half time break and substitute Bernie Ibini at the 76 minute mark.

4 minutes into the game Williams fired off the first shot for Heart which sailed high above the goals. Williams was looking to follow on from last week’s game where he was constructive up forward. Stand in Heart captain Robbie Wielaert was controlling the back half with help from Kisnorbo. Between the two of them they controlled the back half electing where to set up the teams attack forward.

12 minutes in Dugandzic had a half chance to open up the Heart account. Williams was next to line up for the Heart as they lifted the intensity. After breaking clear Williams wrong footed the Mariners defence to clear an avenue into goal with Mariners goalie Justin Pasfield the only obstacle between him and the goals. Williams shot was well high and was a touch disappointing after his clever work to run clear in the first place. The first real golden chance for the Heart was wasted somewhat with Pasfield having to do nothing to keep the ball out.Mate Dugandzic created opportunities up forward for the Heart

With 29 gone Heart had all the play and continually set up forward moves only to see the Mariners shut down any attacking moves with unselfish team instructed defensive play. Dugandzic was creative for the Heart and set up numerous attacks into the strike zone. Engelaar was getting involved and combined with Dugandzic to fire into goal.

The game had lost any sign of a spark as the Mariners played a controlled defensive brand of football denying the Heart any territory in their forward zone. Williams set up Hoffman for a cross which was barely defended by the Mariner’s Pasfield. Although the Heart was determined with their forward attacks the Mariners were simply shutting them down time after time.

Engelaar finally got the home crowd involved when he fired a shot in from his own defensive territory which managed to bounce over Pasfield’s head for Hearts first and only goal of the game at the 33 minute mark. Such was the dominance of the Mariners defence the only way Heart was able to penetrate it was by a super long shot one on one that bounced over the goalie’s head. Either way it was a super shot by Engelaar from outside the halfway line.

Heart had continued attacking looking for their second goal but time and again the Mariners block kept them out. With 1 minute of extra time called in the first half the Mariners cleared the ball down the left hand side passing off to Kim Seung-yong who slowed down the tempo momentarily to get past Jason Hoffman and slot the Mariners 1^st goal. With the half time whistle sounding the teams went into the sheds tied at 1 all.

Melbourne Heart looked to do all the attacking during the half and created numerous half chances and a couple of golden opportunities to score whereas the Mariners looked to shut down the game and set up their attacks creating half the opportunities. Half time statistics had the opposite with the Mariners having the majority of forward play.

Second half action was a mirror of the first half with the Heart desperate to make the play. Ramsay had set up a couple of opportunities for his teammates and took a Dugandzic free which was just kept out by the Mariners defence. Williams followed up for the Heart with a break away down the right hand side to set up a shot on goal. Unfortunately for Williams he couldn’t break the tag and his shot was under pressure resulting in Pasfield having non trouble keeping out the shot. Minutes later Williams was in the action again being on the end of a pin point cross from Dugandzic. His header was easily kept out by Pasfield who was basically flat footed. A bit of angle on the Williams header may have been a different story.

Mariners substitute Bernie Ibini rolled onto the ground with 25 left in the game. 11 minutes later Ibini ran the ball into the box getting it past Heart goalie Andrew Redmayne for the Mariners second goal. Ibini looked silky as he glided across the turn and easily got around Redmayne. The Mariners went 2-1 up and although the Heart kept on with the attack the result never changed with the Mariners winning the game and moving into 3^rd on the A-League ladder.

It was a good attacking effort put up by the Heart but the yearlong problem of not having a couple of quality strikers was evident once again. They have plenty of guys who set things up and Williams is one of the best but there is nobody on the end of the play. Wielaert and Kisnorbo were solid across the back half with support from Germano. Engelaar was awarded Heart’s man of the match if for nothing else his super downtown shot that finished up being Heart’s only goal.Robbie Wielaert (above) and Patrick Kisnorbo (below) were solid for the Heart in defence.

With 3 games remaining the Melbourne Heart will no doubt be still in there having a dip as they have all year.

Heart Dominates For A Draw

By Mark Humphrey

Melbourne Heart dominated their A-League fixtured game at AAMI Stadium against the Wellington Phoenix to come away with a draw. With more than 60% of possession the Heart was unable to dominate the scoreboard even with the assistance of a 10 man opposition. You would have to say that this game was one that got away from the Heart.Skippers go head to head. Heart's skipper Harry Kewell was closely guarded by Phoenix's skipper Andrew Durante

Heart mid-fielder David Williams was in everything early and provided plenty of spark up forward having the first shot on goal inside the first 3 minutes of game time. Williams, who can be a touch inconsistent, would go on and play a pivotal part in the match for the Heart.Heart's David Williams was active all game

Shortly after the Williams attempt Wellington’s Roy Krishna took possession of the ball just inside his half and with a superb solo effort down the right side managed to evade several heart defenders to find himself shooting from the corner of the box. Heart’s goalie Andrew Redmayne was helpless as Krishna muscled the ball past the keeper deep into the net. Wellington had their first on the board at the 5 minute mark much to the dismay of the Heart faithful. From this point on, Melbourne Heart played catch up with regards to the score board.

For the next 20 minutes of the game the Heart attacked their goals with vigour. Williams, Engelaar and Kewell combined to only get as far as the Phoenix keeper Glenn Moss who was in for a very hectic day in front of the net. Next up was a cross that was headed into the back of the net by Heart’s Jonatan Germano. Unfortunately for Germano the goal didn’t stand as he was ruled off-side. Heart on the attack again with Kewell this time unable to get a piece of the ball as the ball drifts over the back. Shortly afterwards Williams broke the line to cross to Dugandzic in front of goal. Dugandzic strike was high with yet another golden opportunity slipping by. Dugandzic stepped up to take a Williams free kick just outside the zone. Dugandzic made a meal of the attempt as the ball floated well wide of the goals. 24 minutes into the match and the Melbourne Heart found themselves with a corner. The incoming kick was scrambled away from the danger zone by the Wellington defence only as far as a waiting Dugandzic who belted the ball goal wards. A very slight diversion claimed by Germano was enough to get the ball past Moss to open up the Heart’s account. Replays failed to show any real deflection by Germano so you would have to say that Dugandzic’s strike had Phoenix goalie Glenn Moss beaten hands down. With 24 minutes gone in the match the Heart had tied the game up 1-1. One thing that Heart has done all season is fight due to the fact that most of the time they are coming from behind.

Not finished with yet, the Heart immediately was back on the charge with both Williams and Kewell firing in shots that missed the mark. Wellington’s Sigmund was red carded after a crude tackle on Kewell 33 minutes into the match. From this point on the Heart had an advantage with the extra man and should have made the Phoenix pay.

With the first half done and dusted it was hard to see where the Phoenix was going to get the win from as it was hard to remember them having any shots at goal during the first half. Obviously they scored and had several other attacks on goal but so dominate were the Heart in the first half it just seemed like the ball never got out of the Heart’s forward half. There is no doubt the Melbourne Heart should have gone into the break with a better score line than 1-1.

2nd half action and tempers were running hot as players remonstrated with each other after Heart’s Germano was felled within the first 2 minutes. Play was halted for several minutes as Germano received medical attention. Scoreboard replays showed very slight if any contact with Germano and play was called on. For the life of me I can’t understand why players go down as if they have been shot and carry on like they are in immense pain when most of the time the contact is incidental. I was under the impression the A-League was trying to stamp out the tactic of diving which clearly wasn’t working Sunday.

Heart attacked in waves for the first 10 minutes of the second half with Robbie Wielaert controlling the ball across the back half and setting up his forwards with constructive passing. Having the advantage of the extra man the Heart forwards continually worked the ball into the scoring zone only to see Phoenix goalie Moss repel time and again. Phoenix got a break down the right side of the pitch and worked the ball deep into the right corner. A cross into the zone was knocked down by Redmayne who had taken up a defensive position right next to the upright. Waiting to pounce on the ball was Wellington’s Tyler Boyd who with a slight fake got past the Heart defence and slotted the ball into the back of the net for their 2^nd goal. An amazing effort by Phoenix who had been under siege for most of the match at the other end of the ground. They were once again in front after 57 minutes of play and this time doing it with 10 men on the ground .Heart goalie Andrew Redmayne clears the ball from the defensive area.

3 minutes later a penalty was awarded against Phoenix captain Andrew Durante for what seemed like very light contact. Williams took the penalty kick and made no mistake to once again have the scores tied up at 2-2. Heart continued on with the waves of attacking football with shots fired from the boot of sub Kalmar, Kewell, and sub Ramsay all without result. Phoenix goalie Glenn Moss was having an excellent game in front of the net and saved plenty although the Heart at times had made it easy for Moss with wayward kicks.Wellington Phoenix's goal keeper Glenn Moss was superb in front of the net.

With 79 gone in the match Heart’s David Williams rolled into the box to put away what looked like the winning goal. Match referee Ben Williams ruled the Williams tackle as being illegal subsequently disallowing the goal. Follow up strikes by Hoffman, sub Stefan Mauk and Williams all missed the mark with the end result a 2 all drawn game.

Massimo Murdocca was awarded Heart’s “man of the match” which surprised me somewhat. I’m not sure what the fans thought but to me it was a token gesture as I barely sighted Murdocca. Heart’s engine room was superb with Kewell, Williams, Germano, Hoffman and Garuccio all busy throughout the match setting up plenty of scoring opportunities. The season long fault of converting opportunity into score once again plagued the Melbourne Heart.

Heart are at home again this Sunday to take on the Mariners while Wellington returns to the mainland to take on the Jets. For further details go to http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/

MORE GAME DAY IMAGES

The Heart Is Pumping    

By Mark Humphrey

Melbourne Heart celebrated their 100^th A-League game with an emphatic 3-1 win over the Newcastle Jets on Friday night at AAMI Stadium. The match ball for Heart's 100th game is delivered by the Westpac Rescue helicopter

With Melbourne on the end of a week long record heat wave, their namesake A-League club Melbourne Heart continued the hot spell for an additional 2 hours into the evening as they dominated the scoring to overrun the Newcastle Jets in front of a small but parochial hometown crowd.Conditions were hot on and off the pitch 

With the club’s first win in 20 games and under returning caretaker coach John Van’t Schip the burning question is “what’s changed?” Answer “not much”.

28 minutes into the first half and you could argue that the same cracks were once again appearing for the Heart up front. Striker David Williams header attempt early in the game from a Hoffman delivery was nowhere near the mark and at the 28 minute mark he was on the end of a soft clearance from Jets goalie Mark Birighitti that gave Williams open territory into goal. When Redmayne did something similar against the Victory several weeks ago he and the team were punished with a Nichols goal the end result. Unfortunately for Melbourne Heart, Williams attempt was seriously well wide no doubt letting Birighitti off the hook. Maybe Williams is lacking confidence at the moment as he barely put a shot into the back of the net against reserve goalie Tando Velaphi in the pre match warm up.

Heart during this period were active up forward with 3 solid shots on goal with Kewell’s long range the best of them and only kept out by an outstretched Birighitti arm knocking the ball over the top bar. For most of the  season Heart has been lively in the first 20 or so minutes without success so nothing has changed in this department.

Williams was subbed out of the game at the 31 minute mark and replaced with Mifsud after clashing with Birighitti minutes earlier.

Good work by the Heart defence and goalie Redmayne had repelled any advances the Jets had made in the match to date and it was only from a bit of luck that the Jets were able to post a goal at the 37 minute mark of the first half. A Jets corner kick cleared the waiting pack including Heart goalie Redmayne and basically landed at Taylor Regan’s feet.  Regan made no mistake and put the ball into the back of the net to give the Jets a 1-0 lead. Familiar situation once again for the Heart having to force the equalizer.

Dugandzic was active for the Heart up forward and created plenty of opportunities for his team mates which would eventually be re-paid with 2 Dugandzic goals with the go ahead goal coming just before the break.Mate Dugandzic was lively all match and scored twice

Hoffman had been busy at both ends for Heart and worked in well with Kewell on several occasions up forward to set up scoring attempts. At the 43 minute mark Hoffman got past the Jets defence to set up Ramsay with a short pass who in turn lifted the ball towards the goals. The Ramsay kick deflected off the head of Jets defender Emile Heskey into the corner of the net for the equalizer.

Into injury time an unguarded Dugandzic with a solid header put away a perfectly placed Behich corner for the go ahead goal just on the half time whistle.

With possession shared in the first half Melbourne Heart had the slight advantage with shots on goal being 7-4.

2^nd half action was a blueprint of the first half with Melbourne Heart creating plenty of scoring opportunities and not giving up any space in defence for the Jets forwards.

Orlando Engelaar is subbed in for the Heart at the 58 minute mark much to the delight of the small crowd. Engelaar was straight into the action with a solid header that went wide but looked threatening and gave the Melbourne attack a new dimension as he towered over the pack.

Dugandzic received a clear pass from Kewell that allowed him to run onto the ball in clear space in front of goal. An outside slot goes between the outstretched legs of Jets goalie Birighitti for Heart’s 3^rd goal with 67 gone in the match.

Heart players celebrate Dugandzic's 2nd goal of the night while Jets goalie Mark Birighitti crouches in disappointment.

Kewell was instrumental in setting up Dugandzic and saved his best for last as this time he was on the end of a Dugandzic pass which gave him plenty of time 20 out and left of the goals to sum up the situation. Spotting a hard running Mifsud, Kewell lifted the ball with a pin point perfect cross to the waiting unguarded Mifsud who was barely metres out from the goal line. Mifsud completely missed the shot carrying on the season tradition of strikers blowing scoring opportunities. It was like someone handed him the ball on a pedestal and all he had to do was guide it in. Luckily for Mifsud the team had a commanding strangle hold on the game and the miss had no bearing on the end result.Kewell gets off the perfect cross to Mifsud.

So in the end the Heart had a win which is what they initially set out to do.Heart fans rejoice their teams win.

What stayed the same?

*Williams and Mifsud’s inability to capitalize on difficult shots and put the team in a winning situation. Both players should have had a goal each from the match no question about it. If you look at the 3 Heart goals scored, one was a deflection from a Jets player’s head, one went through the opened legs of a jumping Jets goalie (surely a mistake by the goalie) with the 3^rd coming from an unguarded Heart’s player. It is reasonably to say that Dugandzic’s header goal was the result of putting yourself in the right place to receive a perfectly placed corner kick but the other 2 goals had more than a fair share of luck attached to them. The result could quite easily have been a 1 all draw.

*Hearts attack on the game early was outstanding and has been their trademark all season.

*Harry Kewell. Just a standout and super skilled.

What was different?

*The Heart defence was a blanket throughout the night. I’m guessing that the interim coach is bringing his own brand to the team but after only 2 weeks you have to seriously consider if the changes could happen that quickly. Whatever the case, the defence was simply outstanding Friday night. Capably led by Gerhardt and Wielaert, the Newcastle Jets continually had to pass the ball around looking for an avenue into attack. Although the Jets had several scoring attempts throughout the match they never really threatened to bust open the game. The Heart defence looked to work back on every occasion giving absolutely no real estate to the Newcastle forwards. Usually Redmayne is faced with an opposition forward breaking into open space and taking him on head on. On Friday night it was hard to remember one situation where that happened although Redmayne did have some work to do. Even the goal the Jets scored, come from a congested corner that was scrambled into the back of the net.

*#4 was different. Big man Orlando Engelaar although not having a huge impact on the game, gave the impression that he is going to cause damage to opposition team defences for the remainder of the season. He is big and he is skilled and I’m sure Aloisi would have been itching to have him in his side. If Engelaar can be that striking forward then instantly the pressure is removed from the shoulders of Williams and Mifsud who quite clearly are not premium A-League strikers. Having said that, both these guys are definitely skilled enough to assist Kewell and Engelaar up front and could be quite dangerous for opposition defences.Big man Orlando Engelaar gets a shot on goal.

Look out opposition teams if Engelaar in combination with Kewell gets going.

Melbourne Heart makes the trip over to Adelaide to take on United who also have not performed to pre-season expectations. It was a 3-3 score line the last time the teams met.

MORE HEART V JETS IMAGES

Aloisi To Pull On The Boots    

By Mark Humphrey

What a headline that would be and for the Melbourne Hearts coach he would probably do better than the current crop of strikers in the club.

On a perfect Melbourne summer’s evening cellar dweller A-League teams Melbourne Heart and Wellington Phoenix went head to head in a contest that had the potential for far reaching ramifications if the Heart were to lose. All around the stadium the general consensus was that if the Heart lost to Wellington then Aloisi would be gone. In the wash-up it should not be Aloisi who is under the spotlight, instead a couple of the Heart’s front men should now be seriously under the pump to retain their positions.With Kewell back in the side, strikers Mifsud and Williams needed to do more.

Master tactician Harry Kewell set up David Williams with the first cross of the night that was a touch long for Williams but signalled quickly that Melbourne Heart were in for business. All through the night Kewell’s attacking play would set up multiple scoring opportunities with his sublime footwork skills. Looking at Kewell you get an idea of what it would be like to witness an EPL game with skills that are a cut above the general A-League standard. At one stage Kewell lifted the ball in a pass so it would bounce by a Phoenix defender reaching the target of a Hearts team mate. Little feats like this were a game highlight that otherwise seemed to lack any inspiration.Kewell showed classic skills on the night

For the visitors Muscat and Hernandez were busy early and provided plenty of play up forward. With the Phoenix coming off a win last out it was important to back up the performance against a team that was trying to find some direction.

Heart’s Jason Hoffman had started the game well and was active through the centre of the ground providing numerous openings for his forwards. A pass to striker Mifsud was headed to Williams whose shot went high and wide. Williams followed up quickly with a long range shot that was kept out by a diving Moss. Moss the Phoenix goal keeper would be kept busy for most of the night as the desperate Heart attack tried to find the goal that would break open their season.Phoenix goalie Glenn Moss was busy for most of the night.

Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie had a shot that pushed wide and then Carlos Hernandez followed up with a strike that beat Heart goalie Andrew Redmayne only to hit the upright post and deflect back into play. With 10 minutes gone in the match both teams had missed scoring opportunities that were difficult chances but never the less were chances.Carlos Hernandez takes a free kick early in the match.

Phoenix controlled the play for the next 10 minutes or so until Mifsud got on the end of a pass coming out of the defensive half. On-side and clear Mifsud ran the ball down the right side and crossed perfectly to Williams who was several metres out from goal to the left. Williams had Phoenix goalie Moss on toast and only had the guide the ball the two or three metres into the back of the net. Unbelievably Williams missed the shot continuing on the season trend of how not to play a striker’s position. This might be a bit harsh on David Williams but fair dinkum half of the little league players playing in the half time break would have put that one away. I would go as far as to say that if coach Aloisi was there he would have put that one away for sure. It seems criminal that people are calling for Aloisi’s head when paid professional footballers cannot execute the simplest shots on goal. This has been a trend all season between Williams and Mifsud who between them have missed numerous scoring opportunities. Even if you give these guys the benefit of goal pressure, the Melbourne Heart team should not be winless on the bottom of the table. Long-time supporter of Heart and match day regular Alias believes that Aloisi’s game plan is all wrong with the kick it long tactic not working at all. Alias commented “what about trying to set it up rather than kicking it long into the forward line”. He went on to say “how can you expect to kick goals with a 5’ 4’’ striker if it’s just kicked in long. A tall defender can easily push past a small guy”. Melbourne Hearts supporter Alias manages time for a joke during the match

Maybe Alias’s comments have some merit but the underlying fact is that throughout the season both Williams and Mifsud should have converted numerous attempts using the current game plan. Regardless of how the ball got to them and what game plan is being used, once they are in a position to score they should score. I’m sure that if these guys were doing their job then the view on Aloisi’s coaching would be supported by the general population.

2 minutes later after a corner was defended by the Phoenix the ball was sent back into the danger area for Heart. Williams with a solid strike found the boot of Phoenix keeper Moss who at this point had been caught out of position several times. Mifsud like Williams last week was having an excellent game setting up the ball in the forward line creating plenty of open space for the forwards.

27 minutes into the match and Heart were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Williams just blazed away at the goals and was well wide and high. It felt like the Heart strikers were just hoping to luck a goal rather than take the time to set up. 2 minutes later Nic Kalmar was on the end of a Williams cross. A solid strike by Kalmar just goes high but Heart with a solid patch of attacking football looked to be in control.

A Hernandez free gave Phoenix forward Stein Huysegems a shot on goal which he was unable to control. Both Brockie and Huysegems were busy for the Phoenix but didn’t give the impression that they would bust open the game with explosive speed or footwork. With 35 gone in the match it looked like neither team had a way to win and was consistent with 2 teams on the bottom of the ladder.

Murdocca fired one away at the goals and in keeping with the night’s tradition never looked like going in. Murdocca’s shot would be the last shot on goal in the first half as both teams went into the break locked at nil all.

Second half football started off with Phoenix going immediately into attack. A Jeremy Brockie strike sailed just over the cross bar. Heart’s Aziz Behich had been busy in the first half and after negotiating 3 Phoenix defenders fired away at the goals with a solid strike that was kept out by Moss. It was fantastic play by Behich to initially navigate past the Phoenix defenders but like his team mates the finishing off work was lacking.Aziz Behich past 3 defenders and on the way in.

Heart keeper Redmayne was also kept busy by Phoenix goal attempts knocking away several shots early in the second half. A Hernandez deflection sailed past an outstretched Redmayne but was wide of scoring.Heart goalie Andrew Redmayne was kept busy through the night.

With 56 gone in the match Behich put in a perfect cross to Mifsud who was metres out directly in front of goal. Pressure from the Phoenix defenders deflected the ball in the Williams direction. Williams directly in front watches as his strike goes sailing over the cross bar for yet another regulation shot that is missed. With Behich active across the ground it wouldn’t be long before he had set up another scoring opportunity this time with Harry Kewell. Kewell’s long range strike had Moss beaten but was just wide enough to miss scoring. Since the break Heart had done the majority of attacking and followed up Kewell’s attempt with a pin point cross that was just out of Mifsud’s reach.

Behich who had been important for Heart with his attacking football now found himself having to defend a series of attacks by the Phoenix forwards through his corridor.  Phoenix through Hernandez, Brockie and Riera kept the pressure on the Heart defence with a wave of attacking football. Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick sensing the surge substituted Tyler Boyd into the game with an immediate impact. Boyd with his fresh legs broke open the Heart defence with sheer pace and crossed to Huysegems who slotted it in for a Phoenix goal. Phoenix took a 1-0 lead with 75 gone in the match. Merrick looking to add more run replaced Hernandez with Hicks who like Boyd had an immediate impact on the game with hard running.Phoenix's Tyler Boyd & Stein Huysegems celebrate the goal.

With 83 gone in the match Aloisi subbed in Mebrahtu and Migliorini looking for the same affect that the Merricks substitutions had. Sub Tyler Boyd was all over the game and set up a cross that was kept out by the Heart defence. Moments later Boyd was on the end of a cross 6 metres out and in front of goal. A solid strike was brilliantly kept out by a Wielaert boot saving the home team further embarrassment.

By now Aloisi could sense the urgency and was up and about encouraging his troops as injury time approached. With 3 minutes of injury time called it was anybody’s guess at what lie ahead. Finally the whistle blew to signal the end of what was an uninspiring game played by two teams struggling to find any sort of rhythm or purpose. Neither team capatilised on their scoring opportunities with Melbourne Heart the principle instigator.

One wonders what fate awaits John Aloisi as the Heart supporter group belted out the tunes of “we’re not going to take it” and “Aloisi out”.Chants of "Aloisi out" and "we're not going to take it" rang from the supporter group after the match.

It seems everyone has an opinion on Aloisi and the Melbourne Heart. Alias thinks the game plan is wrong, Ben from Melbourne thinks they lack class up front with the team, Richard from Bentleigh said that since Aloisi has taken over the team has lost and Mary from Richmond said the club is hopeless. Whatever your thought is on the current situation the fact remains that Melbourne Heart is winless this season and don’t look like winning a game. This week it was Williams who missed simple conversions, next week it will be Mifsud or maybe Williams again. If Aloisi was directly responsible for recruiting the current squad of players then he should go but I suggest this is not the case. Yes Aloisi is under the pump and rightly so but surely the blame can’t be solely rested on Aloisi’s shoulders. Even if the game plan is the worst in A-League history as some would have you believe, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the Heart forwards have been wasteful in their scoring attempts this season. If the ball arrives at your feet in front of goal with a clear shot you should make it regardless of how the ball got there in the first place. If the Melbourne Heart forwards had been doing their job then Aloisi’s job would not be in question as they would not be perched on the bottom of the ladder and that’s a fact. Maybe it is time for a change but not Aloisi. What have they got to lose by running with Mebrahtu and Migliorini up front in lieu of Williams and Mifsud? Both Williams and Mifsud have been constructive up the field and on times set up team mates perfectly but they don’t kick goals. With Kewell now fit and playing inspiring football the team needs players who can finish off his work. The long range shot by Migliorini a couple of weeks ago was sheer class. Sure there may have been some luck involved in having a clear passage to goal but who else could have taken that shot?

Whatever the scenario is, one thing is certain and that is that the current forward structure has not capatilised on the work done up the ground thus far.

For the Heart they now have to re-group for the road trip to the Central Coast while the Phoenix is once again on the road this time to Western Sydney.

HEART V PHOENIX IMAGES

Heart Pain Again

Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi after the match

By Mark Humphrey

The local Melbourne Derby was on again last weekend between the A-League’s Melbourne Heart and the Melbourne Victory at Heart’s headquarters AAMI Stadium.

Perfect conditions greeted the teams as they embarked on another classic Hyundai A-League Derby with Heart’s Harry Kewell leading out the team to a thunderous roar from the Heart supporters.Superstar Harry Kewell was a breathe of fresh air but couldn't halt the Victory force

With a crowd of more than 26,000 the atmosphere throughout the night was electric with the Victory supporter base out gunning the home team for most of the night. It was a fantastic spectacle to witness thousands of Victory fans waving and singing in sync helped along by an unstoppable Victory team as they marched to a 3-1 win over the luckless Heart.

The game started off in typical fashion with neither team getting the ascendancy early.  Heart’s Behich got the first shot away inside the first 3 minutes with a strike that was well wide. Mifsud was at his usual best making opportunities for himself and team mates in front of goal but like in many of the previous Heart games the #11 never looked like scoring. A diving save by Victory keeper Nathan Coe was the closest Mifsud come to scoring in a hectic 15 minute period. Ably assisting Mifsud was Heart’s Mate Dugandzic who was creating plenty of attacking opportunities for his teammates up forward. Dugandzic finished up being one of Heart’s better players on the night with his hard running and ability to split up the sides.Heart's Mate Dugandzic battle hard all night for the reds and had a good tussle with Victory's Adama Traore

At the other end of the pitch the Victory superstars were slowing working their way into the game with a free kick awarded just outside the big box. A deliberate cover and subsequent strike by the Victory was defended well by the Heart defence as tempers started to flare. Kewell and Victory’s Pain exchanged heated words with a closely followed Red Card to Heart’s Patrick Kisnorbo after a tackle on Pain. With 20 gone in the match Heart coach Aloisi now faced the scenario of being a man down which I’m sure thrilled him to bits.

Victory could feel the tide turning and upped the ante with solid attacking football keeping Heart goalie Andy Redmayne busy guessing where the next attack was coming from. Troisi took a Victory free kick in front of goals but was well wide. With plenty of heat still in the game Pain laid a crude tackle on Heart’s Murdocca which sent the Heart supporters into a spin calling for a Red Card on Pain.In everything early with plenty of aggression was Victory's Connor Pain.

With 25 minutes gone in the first half, Heart coach John Aloisi subbed out Mifsud for Patrick Gerhardt. Although striker David Williams had been serviceable for the Heart up until this point of the match, the replacement of Mifsud with Gerhardt seemed to get Williams into top gear. Whether the substitution had any impact on Williams or not doesn’t matter as Williams constantly looked threatening running down the side lines. Easily one of the better games Williams had played this season which seemed to kick start from the Mifsud substitution.No doubt one of Heart's shining lights on the night was David Williams.

Kewell who was also having some influence for Heart had stalled going into attack before he set up a perfectly placed cross for a Williams header which was kept out by Coe. Once again Williams looked like scoring for Heart and it seemed only a matter of time before the Heart was on the board.

With 35 gone in the first half Victory’s Barbarouses had a long range shot which was barely kept out by Redmayne. A magnificent strike with an equally impressive save by Redmayne who for the better part of the season has been a shining light for Heart barely putting a foot wrong.One of the most influential players on the night was Victory's Kosta Barbarouses.

The Victory forwards by now were starting to attack the goals in waves with Nichols, Troisi, Pain and Barbarouses combining to mount unbelievable pressure on the Heart defence. A (what looked to be)  lazily clearing kick by Redmayne was pounced on by the Victory forwards and sent straight back to a waiting Nichols who made no mistake and put the ball into the back of the net to give Victory a 1-0 lead with 38 minutes gone in the first half. You could see Redmayne’s head drop as the Victory went on their celebration march. Aloisi would have been thinking not again as a crucial mistake by one of his players once again put the Heart on the back foot.Ever reliable goal keeper Andy Redmayne in easier times clears to Robbie Wielaert

With the confidence of the Heart players sapped the Victory smelt blood and went on the attack. Barbarouses who was already busy just stepped it up a gear and started to inflict damage on the Heart defence. It just looked a matter of time before the Victory would score again with Nichols, Troisi and Pain completely dominating the forward area. Victory’s Adama Traore had a genuine attack on the goals which was eventually thwarted by a desperate Murdocca who hadn’t stopped trying. Connor Pain immediately got involved and put one past Redmayne to what looked a certain goal only to strike the upright post and bounce back into play. Moments later Traore completely out worked the Heart defence and cleverly got a perfectly placed cross over to Pain who’s subsequent strike was just wide.

With the half time break signalled Melbourne Victory led 1-0 with signs of more to come. For the last 15 minutes of the half the Victory forwards had completely dominated the play and looked on several occasions to score heavily. When the ball come out of the Victory forward half captain Mark Milligan simply organised his troops to send it straight back.

For the Heart striker David Williams definitely looked the sharpest option up forward to score and was well supported by Murdocca and Dugandzic who was having one of his better games for the Melbourne Heart.

With the second half action under way Nichols and Pain immediately combined for a shot on goal which went high. Williams once again for the Heart was creating opportunities up forward and looked to score after getting on the end of a Kewell pass. Minutes later a superbly controlled ball by Kewell is once again just wide of scoring.

With 54 gone in the match a crude tackle by Gerhardt gives the Victory a free kick just outside the box. Milligan took the shot which sailed high over the top. Moments later Traore was involved in another shot on goal this time getting past several Heart defenders with brilliant footwork to set up Nichols. Nichols shot on goal went wide but by now the Victory were attacking in waves and it just seemed a matter of time before the Victory would post number 2 goal.

With 55 gone in the match a combination of passes between Troisi and Nichols eventually finished with Troisi putting the ball into the back of the net to give the Victory their second goal. Victory 2-0 after 55 minutes.  One of Victory's goal scorers James Troisi gets one away.

8 minutes later Nichols found himself on the end of a deft pass and breezed past Redmayne to post Victory’s 3^rd goal. In a 10 minute period of complete dominance the Victory were able to score twice to put the game out of Heart’s reach. On many occasions this season the Heart with patches of complete dominance in play have threatened to do the same thing against their opposition with one glaring result, they don’t score.

With the game well gone it would have been easy for the Heart to throw in the towel as they faced their 16^th loss on the trot. To the credit of this group they kept at it with Dugandzic and Kalmar combining for a shot on goal from the boot of Kalmar which just managed to go wide. A free kick to Dugandzic was set up in front of goal barely a metre out. Victory’s Coe attacked the ball and attempted to clear it from the danger zone. An errant ricochet off the head of Kalmar goes in for Heart’s 1^st goal of the match at the 80 minute mark. Fortunate for Melbourne Heart and just plain unlucky for Victory’s keeper Nathan Coe who had done an outstanding job all night.

Melbourne Heart followed up going once again deep into their scoring territory courtesy of a Williams pass to Dugandzic who was unable to control the pass resulting in yet another missed opportunity.

With minutes left in the match Barbarouses finished off where he started by getting past Redmayne for a shot on goal that just slipped past the net. This was virtually the last play of the night with Victory dominating the match to easily win 3-1.

For Heart coach John Aloisi the scrutiny no doubt will start again. Having lost the last 16 games with just 3 more losses away from the all-time A-League losing record it’s hard to imagine Aloisi surviving the media scrutiny that comes with failure.

It seems a touch unfair that Aloisi has to cop the lot as no doubt the early Red Card on Kisnorbo had an impact on the result. If you look deeper into the match the unexplainable play by Redmayne (who has served Aloisi so brilliantly this year) was yet another situation out of Aloisi’s control but one that might bring him down.

Experts have opinions on the fate of Aloisi but the facts are that Melbourne Heart is not scoring. There have been numerous occasions in past games where the team should have scored and didn’t. Often the opposition team will score from exactly the same scenario yet Heart seems incapable of it. Maybe the heat should be on these players who are paid and expected to score.

David Williams looks by far the best option of scoring especially when Kewell is setting him up but unfortunately too many of his shots are just missing. Mifsud is another who continually wastes shots at goal. It an issue that opposition teams don’t seem to have.

For Victory their next encounter is at AAMI Stadium on the 28^th where they host the Wanderers.

Heart hosts the Phoenix the night before also at AAMI Stadium.

For more info go to http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/aleague/home

IMAGES FROM THE GAME

Where To Now For Heart?

Melbourne Heart supporters protest the teams season performance prior to kick-off.

By Mark Humphrey

In a twilight encounter against an Adelaide team under fire the scene was set for a glorious Heart revival on a balmy summer night.

There was a whisper that the Melbourne Heart supporters were acting out a protest against Aloisi by being deadly quiet for the first half. Whether it was the protest or the fact that United scored within the first 3 minutes of the game the fact remained that the first half of football at AAMI Stadium felt like a suburban match with at times skills to match.

When United’s Steven Lustica pounced on a defended United cross to score for Adelaide the writing was on the wall that it was going to be a long night for Heart supporters given the fact that they had hardly bothered the goals highlight reel all year.Adelaide United players rejoice after going 1 nil up 

Within 5 minutes of the opening whistle a clear pattern had emerged for the United team in that they were running hard and out sprinting the Heart defence and that more often than not they were setting up their attack from the left hand corner through Cirio and Carrusca. These two players were involved in United’s next goal at the 15 minute mark and had looked threatening right up to that point.

On the odd occasion when United attacked down the right side Fabio Ferreira was taking full advantage of the open side and often set up opportunities for the United forwards.

Fabio Ferreira was in everything early

To the outsider it would have looked like complete dominance by the United team which in some respects was true but like in previous games the Melbourne Heart forwards had several gettable opportunities to get themselves back into the game.

The Football Federation of Australia markets this competition as it’s elite football competition in Australia. Sometimes you have to wonder if the players are of the same level.

In the same 15 minute period that United scored their two goals Heart’s Michael Mifsud had two opportunities to score what looked to be gettable goals. In his second attempt he was simply pushed off the shot. A diving Galekovic’s outstretched arm kept out what looked to be a certain strike soon after. Ramsay then stepped up after receiving a perfect cross from Murdocca and missed.Mifsud was very busy all night and a go to man for the Heart players.

Most of these attempts by the Heart strikers were genuine scoring chances that opposition teams seem to nail week in week out.

With 40 gone in the first half Mifsud worked the ball down the left side and skilfully got past United goal keeper Eugene Galekovic who had made a tactical mistake by attacking the ball and was left flat footed as he watch Mifsud go past him. Mifsud had two United defenders scrambling to cover but this should not have been a problem for an A-League striker. End result was that Melbourne Heart forwards were once again incapable of scoring in the big time.

Having witnessed Heart’s home games this season you can’t help but think where this team would be with a couple of quality strikers. Kewell could be one but what’s the use of having a superstar if he can’t play through a bit of whiplash. Reading this you might think it’s an attack on Mifsud and co but nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that Mifsud, Ramsay, Murdocca, Williams and Mebrahtu are excellent players and contribute to the Heart forward structure magnificently but they don’t kick goals and it’s as simple as that. Williams was gifted a goal in the second half from a penalty free kick but most would get that shot away.

So with United going into the break with a 2-0 lead having had 9 shots at goal to 6 one could have easily thought how far United.

Whatever was said at the break seemed to work for the Heart as they come out firing on all cylinders.

A magnificent strike by Andrea Migliorini from long range finally got Heart on the board. The jubilation from Migliorini was shared by his team mates and Heart’s coach John Aloisi as they embraced each other. Aloisi turned to the crowd and pumped his arms aggressively as if to say stick that. You could literately see the pressure blanket lifting off his and the players shoulders.

Migliorini celebrates the 1st goal and heads straight for the coach

Heart had lifted big time and had started to run aggressively. A cross had set up Mifsud who put a shot just wide of the mark and then Williams followed up with a header that grazed the top bar. The difference in this game seems to be centre metres from glory or despair. I’m not sure the Heart forwards are that skilful to work in centre metres.  Never the less Migliorini stepped up again for his second of the night. Migliorini jumps the fence after celebrating his second goal with the fans

Williams followed with the penalty shot to give Heart a 3-2 lead. In 13 minutes of play Melbourne Heart had scored 3 goals and looked a completely different team.

David Williams puts away the penalty for Heart's 3rd goal of the night.

History will show that United got the equaliser with the game finishing in a sombre 3 all draw.

After the match Aloisi made his way onto the park and congratulated his players. He then walked straight down to the supporter hub and started pumping his chest much to the pleasure of the Heart supporters. One minute these guys are protesting in silence the next minute they are rejoicing with the coach. There is no doubt Aloisi wears his heart on his sleeve and maybe some of the pressure has lifted from the shoulders of the besieged coach. You can just about bet your bottom dollar that if Aloisi had a couple of champion strikers on hand or a bit of luck with his current crop of forwards then we wouldn’t be talking about this.

Heart coach John Aloisi thumps the chest as Heart fans rejoice the man

So now it seems that the doom & gloom has lifted around the club with great expectations for the rest of the season. With everything heading in one direction it will be interesting to see what’s in line for Melbourne Heart.  At least coach Aloisi should now have a reprieve from the supporters.

United host the top of table Brisbane Roar while Heart are on the road to take on the Wanderers.

IMAGES FROM THE NIGHT

Del Piero Gets The Ball Rolling For A 2-0 Sydney FC Win.

By Mark Humphrey

Sydney F.C. spent consecutive weeks on the road to Melbourne this time taking on Melbourne Heart. After a sluggish start Sydney scored twice, the first coming from a penalty kick off the boot of Del Piero to win 2-0 against a sombre Heart outfit.

Master of the game, Alessandro Del Piero scored Sydney's 1st goal making no mistake with a penalty shot.

The final whistle brought on the chants around the ground of “Aloisi Gone” signifying the sentiment of some of the Melbourne supporters. There were differing opinions of why Melbourne Heart has lost the last 11 games in the A-League but the underlying fact is that the team looks to lack belief.

Unbelievably the happiest some of the supporters looked was when they were jioning in the chant "Aloisi gone"

Long-time Heart supporter Ilias shared his thoughts on the coach. “Aloisi has this all wrong. His target man in attack is a 5’4” player and he continually sets counter attacking football”. Ilias went on to say “his set up is purely a defensive mindset and tonight he substituted an attacking striker with an attacking striker. And on that, his substitutions rarely come before the 60 minute mark”.Disgruntled Heart supporter Ilias ponders the game.

Whether you agree with Ilias or not some of the blame has to rest with the players. John Aloisi cannot be blamed for the indiscriminate tackle on Garcia by Heart captain Robbie Wielaert that gifted Del Piero with a penalty shot on goal. As frivolous as the tackle may have been you don’t give a sucker an even break and Wielaert simply should have gone about the defensive work in a safe manner.Heart captain Robbie Wielaert had a good game outside the penalty tackle

Given that the Heart had started the game so well and attacked the goals on several occasions the penalty shot at the 27 minute mark to Sydney just sucked the life out of the Heart players. I don’t know how the team can continually start in arrears and expect to win in a game that is often won by a scoring margin of one.

Heart indeed started the match in fine form completely out playing the Sydney team with constant attacking football. Sydney’s Chianese had an opportunity to score within the first 2 minutes of the game which was deflected by Heart goalie Redmayne. Heart goal keeper Andrew Redmayne would go on to play a stellar match thwarting many scoring opportunities set up by Sydney.Sydney's #16 Joel Chianese figured all night with Hearts #22 Nick Kalmar starting aggressively.

Up forward Williams and Kalmar were combining well for the Heart providing plenty of attack and scoring opportunities. Kalmar in particular had started the game in fine form and looked dangerous every time he had the ball. His decision making was first class and provided entry for his team mates. Kalmar’s attacking play had live wire forward Michael Mifsud with Heart’s first genuine shot on goal which was kept out by Sydney goalie Ivan Necevski.Sydney FC goalie Ivan Necevski had plenty to do in the first 15 minutes of the match.

Walker followed up with a scoring attempt which was defending by Sydney. Jeremy Walker had a genuine shot at goals during that hectic 15 minute start.

Man of the Match Murdocca was looking dangerous in front of goal and set up Mifsud with some clever ball work and hard running. Mifsud’s shot on goal was high but was definitely a scoring opportunity once again.

Heart looked to be playing all over Sydney in the first 15 minutes of the game having the ball constantly in their forward half.

Sydney had started to bring the attack to Melbourne and was awarded a free kick outside the box when Richard Garcia was crudely tackled.Sydney's Richard Garcia was instrumental in their win. Garcia battles with Heart's Aziz Behich for possession.

Del Piero took the attempt and managed to have the Heart defenders flat footed including Redmayne as they watched a ball that looked high drop and strike the top of the cross bar only to bounce over the net. What an athlete this guy is with a set of skills to match. Standing directly behind the attempt the shot initially looked nothing off the boot only to miss scoring by the thickness of the top bar.Ball magnet Del Piero is no doubt an A-League superstar.

Chianese was starting to get involved for the Sydney siders and combined with Garcia to set up another scoring attempt. After an initial shot on goal which was kept out by Redmayne, Chianese followed up with another shot which was kept out once again by Redmayne. Definitely a golden scoring opportunity for Sydney which was thwarted by Redmayne at the 21 minute mark.

Sydney by now had started to dominate the play and looked to have stepped up a gear. The earlier attacking football by the Heart had seemed to disappear with the run gone from their game. The ill-fated tackle on Chianese 5 minutes later gave Del Piero a simple penalty tap into the back of the net giving Sydney a 1-0 lead after just 27 minutes of play. Once again Heart was looking down the barrel having to come from behind just to get the equalizer.

Sydney marched on with attack after attack. Naumoff was the next to line up with a golden opportunity to score for Sydney. A great save by Redmayne sees a golden opportunity go begging for Sydney. Not to be outdone Nick Carle is presented with a shot on goal just minutes later which is deflected by Redmayne back to Carle. A follow up shot by Carle is high. Great defensive work by Redmayne to keep out the Carle attempts but in reality Carle should have done more with the shots on goal. You would suggest another golden scoring opportunity had gone begging.

With 40 gone in the match, Heart had trouble getting the ball into their forward half. Sydney was completely dominating the game and was out bodying the Heart players constantly getting into position with aggressive body work and running. Heart forwards had gone missing which was a pity after their initial start to the match.

Ali Abbas from the left corner put in a perfectly placed cross which was slightly deflected by the Heart defence right into the path of Chianese. With Redmayne caught out of position after the deflection Chianese made no mistake with an easy put away into the net for Sydney’s 2^nd goal of the match after just 44 minutes.

With the half time whistle sounding Sydney took a 2-0 lead into the break having dominated the 1^st half after the initial 15 minutes of the game. With the first half shots on goal being 12-2 in Sydney’s favour it’s no wonder they looked to dominated the play.

Start of the second half has Heart substitute Iain Ramsay in the mix combining with Williams to get past the Sydney defence for a shot on goal. Necevski kept the ball out but it was a positive start for the Heart with Ramsay providing some run which had been missing from the Heart in the first half.

Ramsay in the play again was tackled just outside the box and awarded a free kick much to the dismay of the Heart supporters who were shouting for a penalty. A beautiful cross by Ramsay was left alone by the Heart forwards and was easily cleared by the Sydney defence. A golden opportunity after limited chances goes begging for the Heart.

Sydney’s Brett Emerton has had a good game and defended well for his team on many occasions setting up attacking forward structures in combination with Chianese and Garcia. With Heart lifting the intensity these players needed to hold strong to defend the Sydney lead and counter attack.

Hearts Dugandzic is brought down for a free kick just outside the scoring zone. The shot amounts to nothing but like his team mates Dugandzic has lifted and provided spark into the match. Ramsay set up Behich with some clever footwork giving Behich an open shot on goal. Behich misses an opportunity to score and he knows it remonstrating with himself after the play has gone. For Melbourne to get back into the match they needed to capitalize on the work done by the forwards to set up scoring opportunities. It’s a long way back from 2-0 but the way the Heart gets on a roll, a ball into the back of the net maybe the spark they require to set the stadium alight.

Dynamic Heart forward Golgol Mebrahtu is subbed in at the 63 minute mark to no doubt provide much needed run and support for Ramsay who has been in everything since coming on.Exciting Melbourne Heart  youngster Golgol Mebrahtu on the drive.

Williams was playing through Mebrahtu to supply lively attacking plays for the Heart forwards. These two players have a good understanding and complement each other which shows on the park. Sydney it seems was aware of Mebrahtu’s explosive play and picked him off every time Melbourne looked to use him.

Heart once again were having a dominate period like they did to start the game. All of a sudden with the inclusion of Ramsay and Mebrahtu Heart looked quick and dangerous setting up plenty of scoring attempts. Mebrahtu was just thwarted by Sydney goalie Necevski in an attempt to score Heart’s first goal while David Williams follow up shot on goal went wide.

With 85 gone in the match Melbourne Heart was finishing off the game in the same fashion as they started which was aggressive with plenty of run. Mebrahtu was set up with yet another shot on goal which travelled wide of the net. Williams, Mifsud and Murdocca all had followed up attempts to score. Mebrahtu was open once again for a shot on goal but couldn’t get past Necevski.Heart supporters had something to get excited about in the second half.

Game was called with Sydney winning 2-0. Sydney had contributors all over the park with their super stars stamping their mark on the game. For Melbourne you have to wonder where the spark will come to turn around this team. They provided outstanding football both at the start of the match and to finish the match. Somewhere in between they went missing. Whether it was the case that Sydney lifted the foot off the pedal towards the end or the fresh legs of the Melbourne Heart substitutes provided the spark, the end result was a fairly comprehensive win by the Sydney siders.

Melbourne Heart goal keeper Andrew Redmayne was a big hit amongst supporters with his game tonight.

Melbourne look to be on the verge of winning a game, they just need to take out the silly mistakes and capitalise on their momentum shifts that appear throughout the game.

Melbourne next take on the Jets @ Newcastle whilst Sydney hosts the Phoenix.

MORE IMAGES OF THE HEART V SYDNEY GAME