Heart attack downs Phoenix
Once home to former National Soccer League club Morwell Falcons, Morwell's Latrobe City Soccer Stadium experienced a brief return to the spotlight yesterday when A-League soccer club Melbourne Heart came to town and secured a thrilling 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.
A slightly disappointing crowd of 2951 turned out to see the first elite level soccer match played at the venue since the Falcons' demise in early 2001.In what was at times a heart-stopping encounter, it was Heart winger.Mate Dugandzic that proved the difference as his 41st minute strike separated the sides at the final whistle.As former NSL players such as Jack Reilly and Andy Harper watched on from the stands, there was a sense of the past casting an eye over the future, with the Heart in particular fielding several young players.Wellington was the better side in the opening half hour, but it was the Heart that stole the lead shortly before half-time.
Heart captain Fred's quickly taken free kick released Matt Thompson, who played in Rutger Worm and while his shot could only find the post, Dugandzic was on hand to put away the rebound.Wellington piled on the pressure and the half-time whistle arrived at a good time for the Heart.Immediately after the restart Matt Thompson missed a glorious chance to double the home side's advantage, when he broke clear of the Phoenix defence, but his low shot past goalkeeper Anthony Warner struck the post.
At the other end Wellington was denied an equaliser by the width of the crossbar, as Leo Bertos' goalbound effort was deflected onto the bar by Heart defender Adrian Madaschi.When substitute Daniel Sanchez's free kick cannoned into the post, it was clear it was not to be Wellington's day, much to the delight of the appreciative Morwell crowd.The win was an important one for the Heart as it lifted them above rivals Melbourne Victory and into sixth spot on the league table.Heart coach John van' t Schip admitted the match was not his team's best performance, but said he was pleased to return to Melbourne with three points.-http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au
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