I have no idea how we managed to win that. It was the most shark house win I've seen from us in a long time. Missed pens and hitting the posts from WSW is glorious. And somehow we are in 4th
WPM R24 v WSW | Sun 24th Apr | 3:05pm | Eden Park
Bloody hillarious reading back over this thread. Couple of guys saying there is no way there was over 10K in the crowd there! Was a bloody great game out. First half Phoenix dominated.
Man if we get a home semi I'm gonna be over fricking joyed. A couple more ins, cooooommmeee oooonnnn yyooooouuuu niiiiixxxxxxx
Man if we get a home semi I'm gonna be over fricking joyed. A couple more ins, cooooommmeee oooonnnn yyooooouuuu niiiiixxxxxxx
If we get a home semi I've told the missus to not expect me home for the weekend! 😎
Awesoem win...
... but the sight of our lone centre forward sprinting back to a defensive position 15 meters inside his own half with over 30 minutes let to play is pretty fudgeing pathetic
... but the sight of our lone centre forward sprinting back to a defensive position 15 meters inside his own half with over 30 minutes let to play is pretty fudgeing pathetic
We got damn lucky, but we worked hard to get lucky. Two woodworks and a missed pen.
Sometimes it goes your way. Tasty goal.
As everybody says, we're missing a midfield. Pennington can't do it alone; Sandoval is no defender. We're not calm maintaining possession. But, given the starters we're missing, a great job by the squad and especially the youngsters doing the job. Surman, Old, Sutton.
If we can get Lewis and Laws back, also Hooper, who knows.
Sometimes it goes your way. Tasty goal.
As everybody says, we're missing a midfield. Pennington can't do it alone; Sandoval is no defender. We're not calm maintaining possession. But, given the starters we're missing, a great job by the squad and especially the youngsters doing the job. Surman, Old, Sutton.
If we can get Lewis and Laws back, also Hooper, who knows.
Awesoem win...
... but the sight of our lone centre forward sprinting back to a defensive position 15 meters inside his own half with over 30 minutes let to play is pretty fudgeing pathetic
... but the sight of our lone centre forward sprinting back to a defensive position 15 meters inside his own half with over 30 minutes let to play is pretty fudgeing pathetic
And a decent crowd. Well done Auckland and Fever fans. Good to see Josh Kronfield embracing the footy and the Fever, shirt off. Ex-All Black's turning out for the 'Nix. Awesome.
15,000 isnt actually too bad given the week prior result and weather forecast and long weekend. But the problem with Auckland crowds is I had a row of middle aged British expats sitting behind me complaining that the game quality was terrible and that it wasn't as good as Premier league. They can fudge right off.
15,000 isnt actually too bad given the week prior result and weather forecast and long weekend. But the problem with Auckland crowds is I had a row of middle aged British expats sitting behind me complaining that the game quality was terrible and that it wasn't as good as Premier league. They can fudge right off.
I saw the same thing when I watched the Nix in Australia in March (was gutted that these games did not happen while I was home 😥).
Some people are just used to watching EPL and nothing else.
Here in England I'm repeatedly asked who I support in the EPL and while one of my team's is in it (Leeds), I tell them I get more of a kick out of watching the Nix or going to a Plymouth Argyle match. Most are shocked by that answer including BT TV which I only have to watch the Nix.
15,000 isnt actually too bad given the week prior result and weather forecast and long weekend. But the problem with Auckland crowds is I had a row of middle aged British expats sitting behind me complaining that the game quality was terrible and that it wasn't as good as Premier league. They can fudge right off.
15,000 isnt actually too bad given the week prior result and weather forecast and long weekend. But the problem with Auckland crowds is I had a row of middle aged British expats sitting behind me complaining that the game quality was terrible and that it wasn't as good as Premier league. They can fudge right off.
The moaning just seemed real like they were bragging. They were talking out loud and making statements that sounded like a brag - 'back in the UK football is good and we are just here so we can indirectly tell others about good it is.' Everyone else around us were teenagers with nix tops and families with young kids. They don't want to hear that shark in a Sunday afternoon out.
15,000 isnt actually too bad given the week prior result and weather forecast and long weekend. But the problem with Auckland crowds is I had a row of middle aged British expats sitting behind me complaining that the game quality was terrible and that it wasn't as good as Premier league. They can fudge right off.
15k is good compared to the so called Super Rugby week end in Melbourne.
15,000 isnt actually too bad given the week prior result and weather forecast and long weekend. But the problem with Auckland crowds is I had a row of middle aged British expats sitting behind me complaining that the game quality was terrible and that it wasn't as good as Premier league. They can fudge right off.
15k is good compared to the so called Super Rugby week end in Melbourne.
You think so? I think it’s quite poor but I don’t think the result last week helped. Blues played yesterday, so doubt the rugby had much impact on the game.
Regardless, 3 points is all that matters and those that were there, I thought it sounded like a decent atmosphere 👏 I am jealous you all got to celebrate a goal! sharkehouse performance, and I don’t like that we have to rely on it as it doesn’t feel convincing. Which explains why we’ve had some hammerings this season but I also know we’re very limited on personnel. Surman, great performance 👍 hopefully give the team a bit of confidence ahead of what lies in front of them.
15k is good considering what happened the week before would have put a lot of people off... I can think of a good couple personally.
Whilst I am happy with the win, and it was ugly. The simple truth is we have to be better if we want to compete in the finals series, because it will be one game and gone if we don't improved markedly.
Whilst I am happy with the win, and it was ugly. The simple truth is we have to be better if we want to compete in the finals series, because it will be one game and gone if we don't improved markedly.
The more I've been thinking about this in the hours after this one, the more I am just happy to win ugly. But by Jesus we were lucky. I was hard on the boys last week after CCM, but the character is definitely there.
If I could just wish for one thing, it would be for us to maintain our game plan when we go one up and have the opponent chasing the game. We have enough up the pointy end of the field to get us a goal or two, so to see us revert to a very deep lying 5-4-1 for the entirety of that second half would have made jesus weep.
How far away is Lewis? Because we need some sort presence in that midfield. Someone who can hold onto possession.
Either way. Happy with the win. 3 points from our remaining 3 matches will see us through to for the 6. Best chance may be the return fixture against WSW, although we should be looking to ambush either Melbourne side.
If I could just wish for one thing, it would be for us to maintain our game plan when we go one up and have the opponent chasing the game. We have enough up the pointy end of the field to get us a goal or two, so to see us revert to a very deep lying 5-4-1 for the entirety of that second half would have made jesus weep.
How far away is Lewis? Because we need some sort presence in that midfield. Someone who can hold onto possession.
Either way. Happy with the win. 3 points from our remaining 3 matches will see us through to for the 6. Best chance may be the return fixture against WSW, although we should be looking to ambush either Melbourne side.
The more I've been thinking about this in the hours after this one, the more I am just happy to win ugly. But by Jesus we were lucky. I was hard on the boys last week after CCM, but the character is definitely there.
If I could just wish for one thing, it would be for us to maintain our game plan when we go one up and have the opponent chasing the game. We have enough up the pointy end of the field to get us a goal or two, so to see us revert to a very deep lying 5-4-1 for the entirety of that second half would have made jesus weep.
How far away is Lewis? Because we need some sort presence in that midfield. Someone who can hold onto possession.
Either way. Happy with the win. 3 points from our remaining 3 matches will see us through to for the 6. Best chance may be the return fixture against WSW, although we should be looking to ambush either Melbourne side.
If I could just wish for one thing, it would be for us to maintain our game plan when we go one up and have the opponent chasing the game. We have enough up the pointy end of the field to get us a goal or two, so to see us revert to a very deep lying 5-4-1 for the entirety of that second half would have made jesus weep.
How far away is Lewis? Because we need some sort presence in that midfield. Someone who can hold onto possession.
Either way. Happy with the win. 3 points from our remaining 3 matches will see us through to for the 6. Best chance may be the return fixture against WSW, although we should be looking to ambush either Melbourne side.
I think the expected recovery was 6-8 weeks so maybe will start to see him involved in the squad after the victory game?
Just to make a small statistical point. Since Pennington became the sole midfielder in the 70th Minute of the Perth Glory match on 26.03.22, we have averaged 1.875 points per game. Prior to that date and prior to Pennington starting we averaged 1.4 points per game:
Pennington sole midfielder: 15 points from 8 games (1.875/game)
Mixed Rufer/Lewis/Laws etc: 21 points from 15 games (1.4/game)
Pennington sole midfielder: 15 points from 8 games (1.875/game)
Mixed Rufer/Lewis/Laws etc: 21 points from 15 games (1.4/game)
Just to make a small statistical point. Since Pennington became the sole midfielder in the 70th Minute of the Perth Glory match on 26.03.22, we have averaged 1.875 points per game. Prior to that date and prior to Pennington starting we averaged 1.4 points per game:
Pennington sole midfielder: 15 points from 8 games (1.875/game)
Mixed Rufer/Lewis/Laws etc: 21 points from 15 games (1.4/game)
Pennington sole midfielder: 15 points from 8 games (1.875/game)
Mixed Rufer/Lewis/Laws etc: 21 points from 15 games (1.4/game)
And the goals conceded ratio for same timeframes out of interest?
My view on goals conceded, is that we win when we score first because it allows us to maintain the shape of the team and Pennington remains pretty defensive. When we concede first, Pennington moves forward, the shape is lost and we capitulate.
It seems to me that often you have 40 yards between Pennington the defensive midfielder and the line of defenders as he moves forward. The opposition have exploited that space ruthlessly.
In 5 of his 8 matches, we've scored first and won.
Let's face it points decide the season, not goals conceded. As ridiculous as that sounds.
It seems to me that often you have 40 yards between Pennington the defensive midfielder and the line of defenders as he moves forward. The opposition have exploited that space ruthlessly.
In 5 of his 8 matches, we've scored first and won.
Let's face it points decide the season, not goals conceded. As ridiculous as that sounds.
My view on goals conceded, is that we win when we score first because it allows us to maintain the shape of the team and Pennington remains pretty defensive. When we concede first, Pennington moves forward, the shape is lost and we capitulate.
It seems to me that often you have 40 yards between Pennington the defensive midfielder and the line of defenders as he moves forward. The opposition have exploited that space ruthlessly.
In 5 of his 8 matches, we've scored first and won.
Let's face it points decide the season, not goals conceded. As ridiculous as that sounds.
It seems to me that often you have 40 yards between Pennington the defensive midfielder and the line of defenders as he moves forward. The opposition have exploited that space ruthlessly.
In 5 of his 8 matches, we've scored first and won.
Let's face it points decide the season, not goals conceded. As ridiculous as that sounds.
Except its pretty damn feasible that we end up around 6th with the same number of points as Adelaide, Macarthur or CCM and then our goals conceded will be the deciding factor.
That is a true statement, so I'm guessing that you're saying we should settle for 1.4 ppg instead of 1.875 ppg because we concede too many goals with 1.875 ppg formation.
That is a true statement, so I'm guessing that you're saying we should settle for 1.4 ppg instead of 1.875 ppg because we concede too many goals with 1.875 ppg formation.
Ok... i love data, so let's dig a little deeper. How many points do we average against teams that are higher than us on the table, against those below and remove the games that we had before Sandoval as well as this will skew the results so they have to be removed as a variable.
Regardless of how the stats are read, the reality is, as we currently stand and based on how we are playing... we wont win a play off game unless things get better.
Pennington is doing ok, but is not as good as Rufer or Lewis. I think the change of formation has more to do with us grinding out points than anything lately.
Regardless of how the stats are read, the reality is, as we currently stand and based on how we are playing... we wont win a play off game unless things get better.
Pennington is doing ok, but is not as good as Rufer or Lewis. I think the change of formation has more to do with us grinding out points than anything lately.
OK. So I disagree with that. I think that Sandoval gave an initial impetus to the team resulting in points won initially. I think that impetus from Sandoval is less now. So the Sandoval effect boosted the stats of Rufer/Lewis rather than the sole Pennington.
Fantastic entertainment that game. Had everything: winning goal, good crowd, the best penalty miss ever, great rugby tackle by security on the noddy who ran into the field, driving wind and rain and sun often at the same time and a red card for the opposition coach!
The game was excellent and the comments are mostly fine. As per normal spoiled by the usual ignoramuses who wouldn't even know what the laws of the game looked like, never mind know them, showing aforementioned ignorance by their comments on the referee.
Excellent refereeing performance - at least on a par with the standard of playing performance.
Excellent refereeing performance - at least on a par with the standard of playing performance.
Almost forgot - nice gesture by Ollie Sail giving his shirt to a kid in the Zone
The game was excellent and the comments are mostly fine. As per normal spoiled by the usual ignoramuses who wouldn't even know what the laws of the game looked like, never mind know them, showing aforementioned ignorance by their comments on the referee.
Excellent refereeing performance - at least on a par with the standard of playing performance.
Excellent refereeing performance - at least on a par with the standard of playing performance.
I know nothing I’ll admit and I’m fairly ignorant- but excellent refereeing performance? Are you sure? I’m open to hearing about your reasons for thinking so.
I thought he got the pen right, but offered very little protection to us and particularly seemed lenient on the WSW midfield. They committed fouls on Ball, on Pennington and others and this seemed to be a deliberate tactic which hurt us in this game and has hurt us this season. They tackled from behind with little to no attempt to get the ball. They brought the player down as we started counters. Are those not usually yellow cards?
When the weather is wet, the players have to be careful. Studs into the ankle at pace is a red in most leagues and the weather isn’t an excuse. If it’s dangerous, it’s dangerous. If you headbut a guy in the face, surely that is dangerous play? We’ve seen plenty of cards for stray elbows.
I mean David Ball leads the league in yellow cards. That doesn’t seem correct or fair to me, but again clear up my ignorance with your explanation…
I don't get everyone's angst with the 'supposed headbutt'. He went to header the ball, eyes clearly focused on it, but caught Pennington who managed to get his head to it first (just).
Baccus yellow could have been a red, but as the commentators said, it was not raised, thus on the ankle not the shin. Happy with the call, but would have understood the red had it been given as well.
The only 1 I thought he got really wrong was Baccus foul on Pennington when we looked to break. Should have been a second yellow and a red.
I think people are looking to blame the ref, when we should be looking at the players for how they played that second half. It was dire, and only the width of the goal posts kept us in the game and lady luck.
Baccus yellow could have been a red, but as the commentators said, it was not raised, thus on the ankle not the shin. Happy with the call, but would have understood the red had it been given as well.
The only 1 I thought he got really wrong was Baccus foul on Pennington when we looked to break. Should have been a second yellow and a red.
I think people are looking to blame the ref, when we should be looking at the players for how they played that second half. It was dire, and only the width of the goal posts kept us in the game and lady luck.
Dont get it some stats are just rubbish we can get either 3 points per game or 1 point per game when the shyte can we get either 1.4 or 1.8. Yes im fully aware its an average but of something we cant get no use at all.
Interesting comments about the ref. I read some of the WSW post game comments and a lot of them were spitting tacks about the ref. They were saying he was influenced by the crowd and unfairly favoured us.
One comment I did hear was that the level of refereeing in the A league is at about the same standard as the average players skill set and ability. Thought that summed it up pretty well.
One comment I did hear was that the level of refereeing in the A league is at about the same standard as the average players skill set and ability. Thought that summed it up pretty well.
Not blaming the ref. I’m proud of how professional the team is and how they back their football and don’t retaliate.
But I genuinely feel this season that we have not had the protection we should have had.
In the game I thought there was a couple more times where our break was stopped by them tackling nowhere near the ball. No yellow legitimizes it. One of them was on Ball iirc.
We had the same situation in a game against City where they were allowed to foul us continuously to prevent our transition.
Uzkok is a player who throws in dirty challenges. There’s no way he and David Ball should have the same number of yellows. Completely different players. I think one has put his all in and been a bit let down by the refs.
I think that’s a separate conversation from the results or the performance the team put it etc.
And tbh didn’t see the head clash, just the aftermath and a slow mo replay.
But I genuinely feel this season that we have not had the protection we should have had.
In the game I thought there was a couple more times where our break was stopped by them tackling nowhere near the ball. No yellow legitimizes it. One of them was on Ball iirc.
We had the same situation in a game against City where they were allowed to foul us continuously to prevent our transition.
Uzkok is a player who throws in dirty challenges. There’s no way he and David Ball should have the same number of yellows. Completely different players. I think one has put his all in and been a bit let down by the refs.
I think that’s a separate conversation from the results or the performance the team put it etc.
And tbh didn’t see the head clash, just the aftermath and a slow mo replay.
A yellow card for Pennington against Victory would cause his suspension for the next WSW game. Right now I think that would be the biggest miss of anyone out.
A yellow card for Pennington against Victory would cause his suspension for the next WSW game. Right now I think that would be the biggest miss of anyone out.
Interesting comments about the ref. I read some of the WSW post game comments and a lot of them were spitting tacks about the ref. They were saying he was influenced by the crowd and unfairly favoured us.
One comment I did hear was that the level of refereeing in the A league is at about the same standard as the average players skill set and ability. Thought that summed it up pretty well.
One comment I did hear was that the level of refereeing in the A league is at about the same standard as the average players skill set and ability. Thought that summed it up pretty well.
Just wait until they realize that they have never won a match under him.
Overall I thought that the ref had a good game, from a decision making point of view. I did notice that his positioning was often poor, too much in the middle of play, he influenced passes and the direction of dribble, simply because he was in the way.
Overall I thought that the ref had a good game, from a decision making point of view. I did notice that his positioning was often poor, too much in the middle of play, he influenced passes and the direction of dribble, simply because he was in the way.
I don't recall the incident, but I wish someone could have reminded Rudan of the goal Hemed scored last game against us when he pushed one of our players out of the way before heading in.
What comes around goes around it seems.
Overall I thought that the ref had a good game, from a decision making point of view. I did notice that his positioning was often poor, too much in the middle of play, he influenced passes and the direction of dribble, simply because he was in the way.
I don't recall the incident, but I wish someone could have reminded Rudan of the goal Hemed scored last game against us when he pushed one of our players out of the way before heading in.
What comes around goes around it seems.
From memory Piney thought it was possibly a foul on Hemed, but first contact was outside the box. But we never got a 2nd look at it.
And yeah forgot about that blatant foul (on Elliott?) by Hemed, in earlier loss to Wanderers at The Gong. It's all fish & chip paper now.
It's great having Rudan as a pantomime villain, and you know fair play to him going off with a smile & ironic bow. The league needs more characters/villains. That's why say Muscat (A hole that he is) in his own way was great for the League's profile.
Some of the A League's highest profile moments, involve the likes of John Kosmina, Muscat, Berisha etc. They help bring the crowds in. Duller world without them