Krishna scored either side of a super-strike from Glory’s Ruben Zadkovich to help the Phoenix to their third consecutive win and edge two points clear of Melbourne Victory in the competition standings.
The victory brought an end to Perth’s run of 16 consecutive rounds at the summit of the league and the club could find itself as low as fourth on Sunday if Sydney FC triumphs over Brisbane Roar.
Goals
0-1 Roy Krishna (23’) Glory defender Josh Risdon had a moment he would rather forget when he attempted to clear Louis Fenton’s low cross from the right, only to smack it straight into a charging Krishna and rebound into the exposed goal.
1-1 Ruben Zadkovich (29’) The veteran midfielder made the most of his first starting appearance in four weeks with a stunning strike from 28 yards. A running Zadkovich was set up perfectly by y teammate Dragan Paljic and sent the ball flying past Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss, off the left post and into the back of the net, to equalise for the home side.
1-2 Roy Krishna (78’) The Fijian-born winger held up Glory defender Scott Jamieson on the corner of the penalty box before turning him inside out and threading his second of the match with a perfectly placed left-foot strike.
Key moment
Glory striker Andy Keogh looked set to put his side ahead in the 77th minute when he brushed off Wellington pair Ben Sigmund and Michael Boxall and charged towards goal.
But Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss strategically closed the gap to deny the Irishman and the visitors took the ball up the pitch and Roy Krishna scored the winner less than a minute later.
Opta Data Stats
Wellington had not tasted victory in their last five matches against Perth prior to Saturday night’s match.
Treatment table
Ben Sigmund took his place in Wellington’s starting XI and played out the match despite struggling with a hip injury during the week.
Fellow defender Michael Boxall, who had also been in doubt with a calf injury, came off the bench in the 69th minute.
Coach redemption
The last time Wellington was in Perth, Glory midfielder Ruben Zadkovich lasted just 17 seconds before he was given his marching orders for a crude challenge on Phoenix’s Vince Lia.
The former Newcastle captain redeemed his horrific brain fade from Round 7 and rewarded Glory coach Kenny Lowe for throwing him into the starting line-up for the first time in a month with an inspiring performance, including a memorable first goal for the club.
The Final Word
The possibility of a New Zealand team winning the A-League is as strong as ever and Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick was all smiles after his side’s empathic win in Perth. An impressive win on the road in the “Long Distance Derby” without star striker Nathan Burns will provide a further confidence boost for the flying Phoenix ahead of next Sunday’s away clash with Brisbane.
If you hit enough long range shots, eventually one of them won't fly miles wide or high and go into the net. #PERvWEL
— Patrick Barnes (@patrick478) March 14, 2015Glory coach Kenny Lowe needs to find a way to help his side discover that winning feeling. Perth remains winless form their last eight matches and have not tasted victory since January 2. Lowe has a full squad available, aside from winger Youssouf Hersi, so there are sure to be changes in a bid to recapture the form which had Perth on top of the A-League for 16 consecutive rounds.
Teams
Perth Glory: Danny Vukovic (GK), Rostyn Griffiths (Richard Garcia 83’), Dino Djulbic, Ruben Zadkovich, Andy Keogh, Nebojsa Marinkovic, Josh Risdon, Daniel De Silva, Scott Jamieson, Michael Thwaite (C), Dragan Paljic (Jamie Maclaren 64’)
Wellington Phoenix: Glen Moss (GK), Manny Muscat (Michael Boxall 69’), Joel Griffiths (Jason Hicks 72’), Rolieny Bonevacia, Michael McGlinchey (Tom Doyle 81’), Albert Riera, Louis Fenton, Vince Lia, Ben Sigmund, Roy Krishna, Andrew Durante (C)
Scorers: Roy Krishna (23’), Ruben Zadkovich (29’), Roy Krishna (78’)
Red cards: Nil
Yellow cards: Nil
Conditions: 23C, humid
Attendance: 9178 @ nib Stadium