The Nix Fix: Miracle in Perth
Miracle is a strong word but it just might fit the situation that occurred on Sunday in Perth.
With the score tied at 1-1 and just one minute remaining on the clock at NIB Stadium, Michael McGlinchey stepped up to take a corner. The resulting kick made its way to Vince Lia who managed to strike the ball into the top left corner of goal to claim the match winner. Considering the well documented problems the Nix have had with corners and the fact that Lia hadn’t scored a goal in over four years then you could almost say it was a miracle.
The Nix had been down 1-0 after just seven minutes when Gyorgy Sandor made the most of some average defending from a Glory corner to open the scoring. But the Nix responded quickly minutes later through Rory Krishna. After missing a penalty last week Krishna made no mistake when he found himself in the box and slotted a well placed shot across the keeper and inside the left post.
From there the Nix created more chances than their rivals, outnumbering the Glory 14 to 6 on total shots, but had to wait until the 89th minute to secure the win. The result moves Wellington up to fifth on the A-League ladder, tied with three others teams on three points, and gives them the lead in the newly created Long Distance Derby Cup.
More negative rumours
The Sydney Morning Herald this week ran an article claiming that the FFA are moving to create a third club in Sydney at the expense of the Nix. It’s reported the newly formed club would be based in the Sutherland Shire and play out of Redmondis Stadium, home of the Cronulla Sharks NRL Club. As the FFA have widely stated that there will be no expansion to the number of teams in the A-League, any new club would have to be at the expense of an already established team. With the current Nix license expiring at the end of the season and a no new deal confirmed then it’s easy to see how it looks like the Nix are on the way out to make room for another Australian team.
The Phoenix were quick to respond with General Manager of the club David Dome coming out and saying that he’s spoken to the FFA in relation to the published article. He confirmed that the FFA is keen to have ten teams in the A-League next season and they want the Phoenix to be one of them. He also confirmed that a new license deal is almost complete although there are a few details to be worked through.
Roar comes to town
This coming Saturday evening the Nix host Brisbane at Westpac Stadium who currently sit top of the table after winning both of their opening fixtures.
From what we saw last week I’d be surprised if Merrick changed his starting line-up. The newly formed defensive line worked well together after conceding an early goal although there’s no doubt that Durante’s absence is being felt by the team. Jeffrey Sarpong started for the first time last week and made little impact before being subbed at the 60 minute mark but he should retain his spot in the line-up for this week.
The Roar are waiting to see how keeper Michael Theo recovers after picking up a hip flexor strain during training. There is a chance he won’t travel with the team to Wellington.
Possible Nix starting line-up…
. Moss
. Fenton Sigmund Muscat Doyle
. Bonevacia Riera Lia
. McGlinchey Sarpong Krishna
Prediction
Having lost their opening home game to Newcastle in round one, the Nix will be desperate to avoid back to back losses in their opening fixtures at Westpac Stadium. The key to winning will be converting all their numerous scoring opportunities into more goals, a task that falls squarely on the likes of Krishna, McGlinchey, Sarpong and Bonevacia. The Roar look good and beating them will require the whole squad to step up from the performance of the opening two rounds.
Phoenix 1 – 1 Roar
