Summary
One of the better days of A-League action, with three hugely enjoyable fixtures. Table-topping Sydney FC survived a tricky trip to Wellington, where only an own goal and then a shocking open-goal miss keep the champions’ undefeated run intact. The Phoenix good value for their 2-2 draw, and arguably could have had more, as they enjoy their own six-game undefeated run.
Ola Toivonen with a brace to decide a pulsating Melbourne derby 2-1 over high-flying rivals, City in a result that could just kickstart the Victory’s spluttering season. And an eight-goaler to finish the day in the West, as Popovic’s premiers showed they’re starting to click as well, dispatching the Jets 6-2.
Goalless in the W-League between Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar while smoke has wreaked havoc in the Big Bash League, with Sydney Thunder being denied a chance to run down Adelaide’s reasonable first-inning total.
Adam Scott leads the PGA of Australia into the final day tomorrow, and plenty of sport happening elsewhere. We’ll be back tomorrow with more of the same, on Sportwatch!
Big Bash: Thunder and Strikers match abandoned
And finally an update on the Big Bash match from Manuka - which has officially been abandoned now. Here’s AAP:
Heavy smoke has denied Sydney Thunder a Big Bash League victory over Adelaide Strikers, with their chase halted in Canberra after 4.2 overs because of concerns about air quality and visibility.
The ladder-leading Thunder, set a target of 162, reached 1-40 when umpires stopped play at Manuka Oval on Saturday night.
The match was abandoned soon after, meaning the points were split.
The Thunder already had enough runs on the board to be declared winners after five overs but BBL rules dictate a minimum of five overs is required in the second innings to constitute a game.
Thunder captain Callum Ferguson, who finished 27 not out, fumed when umpires Paul Wilson and Sam Nogajski told him they were halting play during Rashid Khan’s opening over.
“He’s just annoyed, as you could imagine,” Thunder coach Shane Bond told Fox Cricket.
Updated
Full-time: Perth Glory 6-2 Newcastle Jets
And there’s the whistle. A mercy blow, really. It should have been seven - it could even have threatened the Jets’ own 8-2 record for the highest scoring A-League game of all-time.
They weren’t bad, the Jets, but they faded badly in the second half. Popovic issued a challenge to his players to add more cutting edge up front. Didn’t they just. Castro and Fornaroli leading they way with two a piece.
“I think we are coming, we are taking confidence. The chemistry in the team is still increasing.”
That’s the words of “Maestro”, Diego Castro. A-League, you’ve been warned.
Updated
90 + 1 min: Just four minutes more for the Jets before they’re put out of their misery. Fornaroli is still hungering for his hat-trick, but it’s a good save from Moss to deny him, at the expense of a corner.
The Jets partially clear their lines, but Kilkenny looks to rework something. Eventually they get clear, the visitors.
A-League - VAR overrule! Perth Glory 6-2 Newcastle Jets
Ugh. Go away. After another interminable wait, VAR has chalked it off for a perceived handball about 17 minutes before the goal was scored. That’s incredibly tough on Meredith. You feel for the player - and the Glory players are incensed. Well, as angry as you can be when you’re in utter cruise control.
A-League - Goal! Perth Glory 7-2 Newcastle Jets (Meredith)
85 min: Ach. And to think this game was at one stage 3-2. They’ve wilted in the West, the Jets. It’s a first ever A-League goal for James Meredith, the Socceroo and former Championship star. And they’re in seventh heaven, the Glory.
A-League - Goal! Perth Glory 6-2 Newcastle Jets (Castro)
83 min: Well, he’d asked his side to look a little more lethal in front of goal, and haven’t his chargers stood up today for Tony Popovic.
It’s the skipper, Castro with another fine solo effort. Jake Brimmer with a charge out of midfield, but they allowed the Spaniard too much space at the edge of the box, and he curled a second terrific effort past Moss.
And some news from the world of tennis, where former champion Boris Becker has heaped huge praise on Alex de Minaur ahead of Australia and Germany’s ATP Cup clash:
77 min: To their credit, the Jets continue to push. With the well-documented absence of their star signing Wes Hoolahan it’s an added body blow to lose their Panamanian striker Abdiel Arroyo to a hamstring niggle over the past few weeks. He gives them a different dimension up front, and they sorely miss him today.
Dimi Petratos draws a sharp save out of Liam Reddy. He won’t stop working, the older of the four Petratos siblings on the books of the Jets.
Updated
No further updates from Manuka Oval in Canberra, where as it stands the Big Bash clash between the Sydney Thunders and the Adelaide Strikers remains “suspended” due to poor air quality / visibility from nearby bushfires.
As mentioned, we aren’t too far away from the late fixture in the West kicking off - we’ll bring you live action from that one, shortly.
A-League - Goal! Perth Glory 5-2 Newcastle Jets (Fornaroli)
70 min: No luck involved in this one - as Fornaroli finds space around the edge of the box, shifts the ball, stands up two covering defenders, and thumps home past Moss! It’s a great finish, and after a season in exile, the Uruguayan is starting to find his shooting stride again.
They have to be careful, Newcastle. It’s been a rollercoaster match - they have to stay strong and not let this one get away.
A-League - 65 min: You can’t fault the visitors for effort, as Angus Thurgate twists and turns and tries to fashion something. There’s a terrific ethos around the Jets club these days - but after that 4-0 dismantling last week at home to City there is the danger of heads starting to drop around the club.
They do have Brisbane at home next week though, should this one get away from them.
A-League - Goal! Perth Glory 4-2 Newcastle Jets (Fornaroli)
57 min: Ach. They can’t buy a trick, the Jets. Ernie Merrick must have walked under a ladder, carrying a black cat, whilst spilling salt and not throwing it over his left shoulder.
It’s relatively innocuous as the ball falls for Fornaroli after Castro is well-marshalled inside the box. He scuffs his shot, the Uruguayan, but it takes just enough a deflection to wrong foot ‘keeper Moss. That’s a very, very soft goal to cop. What a morale-buster.
A-League: Goal! Perth Glory 3-2 Newcastle Jets (Ugarkovic)
51 min: My, oh my. Just when you think they’re down and out they rise from the canvas once again, the Jets. It’s a lovely combination between Dimi Petratos and the defensive midfielder Steven Ugarkovic who continues his run. A nice one-two in a tight space, good control, and a simple rolled finish. Lovely stuff and what a game this is turning into!
We’re still game suspended in the Big Bash match from Canberra - no change to the air quality/visibility due to smoke there. The late Scorchers v Renegades game from Perth will start shortly.
A-League - second half!
Goal! Perth Glory 3-1 Newcastle Jets (Chianese)
45 min: Oh my. We’re were scarcely back in our seats, and whatever Ernie Merrick said at half-time has gone out the window! It’s a poor giveaway by substitute John Koutroumbis - the youngster’s hardly been on the pitch - but he’s cost his side.
The rapid Joel Chianese pounces on the error and slides home. What a start for the hosts!
The late Big Bash fixture from the West won’t be smoke-affected, where the Scorchers are hosting the Renegades. It’s Marsh v Marsh as skipper Mitch takes on his brother Shaun who rolls out for Melbourne. Rival captain Aaron Finch has won the bat toss but, and elected to send the home side in first.
A-League - Perth Glory 2-1 Newcastle Jets - half-time:
There’s the whistle over in the West. They’ve been good value for it, the visitors, but two clinical finishes from set pieces remain the difference. Perth largely controlling the game, but the Jets looking sharp in transition.
Castro’s peach of a freekick the difference. Big 45 to come.
Updated
Big Bash - Thunder 1/40 (4.2), Hales 11*, Ferguson 27*
Game suspended. This is a big call. The umpires have called time off - due to air quality and smoke.
The game can still continue it things clear up, but the Thunder side aren’t too happy - the laws of Big Bash mandate that 5 overs constitutes a game. Had it been suspended that would have handed the game to the Thunder.
A-League - 40 min: Well, it’s not exactly cruise control, but you can imagine this is where Perth wants it. His sides are normally excellent at defending a lead. First step is to hold until half-time.
Big Bash - Thunder 1/28 (3), Hales 6*, Ferguson 22*
Ooph. With Khawaja gone after two balls you’d call it a good start for the Strikers, but it’s only poked the beast. In comes Callum Ferguson, and he’s gone at it like a bull in a china shop. Five fours off Peter Siddle and the unsuspecting Wes Agar who goes for 14. He’s going at a strike rate of over 200, Ferguson. Pretty solid response.
A-League - Goal! Perth Glory 2-1 Newcastle Jets (Kilkenny, pen)
33 min: It takes something special to earn the penalty responsibilities in a team containing Castro and Fornaroli, but he’s ice-cool, the man they call Killa. He rolls it along the ground with Moss committed the other way. Very calm. And like that, Perth are back in front!
A-League - 31 min: Meredith charges into the box, but he’s brought down by Kantarovski. Was that a penalty? Referee Adam Kersey points to the spot! VAR double checks, but it’s upheld. A lengthy wait though, as players have perhaps become accustomed to.
It’s Neil Kilkenny v Glen Moss.
A-League: Goal! Perth Glory 1-1 Newcastle Jets (Topor-Stanley)
25 min: It’s a freekick opportunity at the other end, can Petratos match Castro’s effort? He chips for a teammate, it looks a set move. He finds Jackson who heads back across goal, and who’s there - the veteran 300+ gamer Topor-Stanley to nod home: we’re back level! A fair reward for their efforts so far, you’d say.
Big Bash - Thunder 1/0 - Khawaja out for a duck!
And that’s not how the run chase was meant to start! It’s outside off and the experienced national teamer chases it. Carey dives hard for the catch, it flicks off his wrist but Cameron White adjusts brilliantly to hold the catch! He didn’t panic, he let it hit him in the chest, before catching on the juggle! Huge moment.
A-League: Goal! Perth Glory 1-0 Newcastle Jets (Castro)
15 min: They give up a freekick in a dangerous area, the Jets, and up steps the diminutive Spaniard. It’s a sumptuous curling effort that gives Glen Moss no chance - nestling just inside the post! A beautiful strike - and how cruel. They thought they were ahead, Merrick’s men, but now they’re behind. Castro. Class.
A-League - 11 min: And have they taken the lead, the Jets?! Hoffman celebrates - he’s delighted - but the lineman has his flag up - non le gusto.
VAR takes a look - there did seem to be a slight deflection from Juande, does that play the Jets utility onside? Apparently not. A let off for the home side - that came against the run of play.
A-League - Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets:
8 min: So, we’re underway in the West, and it’s a contained start from both sides given the heat. Attrition isn’t normally a term you use for games involving Ernie Merrick, but perhaps circumspection is more the term?
Big Bash - Strikers 5/161 (20), White 9*, Wells 55*
End of innings: It’s a terrific late cameo from Jonathan Wells who shows both power and guile to bring up his fifty. It was a strange innings - they started poorly, rallied, then looked okay, then slumped, then came home okay? That’s Big Bash I guess.
This one still very much in the balance then - it’s a big total, but the Thunder has the firepower to do it, and it looks a decent wicket.
Updated
We’re not too far away from A-League action, where it’s the home side Glory looking to go three wins on the spin, have won just one of their first seven and momentarily hitting the bottom of the table. The Jets for their part are on a two-game losing streak - it will be hard to beat Perth at home though, you’d imagine.
Big Bash - Strikers 5/123 (16.4), White 0*, Wells 28*
Oh my. Plenty of talk about Rashid Khan’s unorthodox batting strokes - well that was as ugly as you’ll see. Swatting at a high one first ball, and he only lobs it right into the mitts of Gilkes. Two quick wickets for Morris, and suddenly this one has swung sharply towards the Thunder. Can the vastly experienced Cameron White bring his new team home?
Big Bash - Strikers 3/121 (16) Carey 45*, Wells 26*
Some solid big overs now, and this is building nicely for the Strikers. Carey with a clever ramp shot off Tremain, before Wells opens the shoulders and slog-sweeps to cow corner. All comes down to these last four overs though - can they push on?
And right on cue, Carey goes big - but he doesn’t find the rope! Green gets under it, and out comes Rashid Khan to weave some magic. Strike rate of near 170.
Updated
We do have a third A-League fixture coming up from the West, where it’s Perth hosting Newcastle. We’ll pick up the action from that in 15-20 minutes or so. And of course a later BBL fixture, but that might go beyond my bedtime.
And staying with cricket, the Boxing Day mystery has been solved - who’s coming in to the Australian team for Josh Hazlewood you ask? Ask no more.
Big Bash - Strikers 3/86 (13), Carey 28*, Wells 8*
A big over for the Strikers, 13 off it, to bounce back from the loss of their man-in-form, Weatherald. The opener fell for 42 (33) after the Thunder were able to pin him back a little after that bright individual start. Sams with the key wicket - he’s got terrific figures of 2/9 off three.
They still need to accelerate from here if that want a big score though, the Strikers.
Full-time: Melbourne City 1-2 Melbourne Victory
And there’s the final whistle - Victory have held on! How key could this game be for there season - after all the tumult, all the frustration - is this, finally, the game that launches the Kurz-era at Melbourne Victory?
Ola Toivonen with a brace - Kamsoba and Nabbout could have scored a hatful more - before Harrison Delbridge’s header made for a nervy last thirty.
Victory take the bye next weekend - let’s hope it doesn’t slow their momentum.
Updated
90 + 2 min: They try to spring forward again, City. They were second on the table coming into this, Victory in eighth. A win here will only lift them to seventh, mind, but it will see Sydney FC’s gap at the top move to six points.
Updated
A-League - 90 min: Four minutes added is the extras. And again, it’s Thomas scrambling as Galloway fires a fierce shot from long distance! That’s not far away from the City right back, the Victory ‘keeper puffs his cheeks in relief.
Now it’s the substitute Atkinson who receives it in the box after fine work from fellow sub Wales - but it ends in the grateful grasp of Thomas.
A-League - 88 min: It’s Kruse one-on-one with Glover but from an acute angle - and the City custodian stands tall! Good save, but at the expense of a corner.
City clear, go long and it’s at the feet of Metcalfe. He races into the box, and what an excellent last-ditch tackle from the 300-game man, Leigh Broxham!
A-League - 86 min: Fine work from Metcalfe, who shrugs a would be tackler and pings a fine ball into the box for City, but it’s just over his teammates. Lawrence Thomas was scrambling!
There’s still time for City - a big 5-10 minutes to run in the Melbourne derby.
Updated
A-League - 84 min: And again! City are really riding their luck chasing this one. It was a poor sliced clearance from Glover who races out to clear, but only finds the feet of Kamsoba. He rolls it goalwards - but it goes agonisingly wide of the post! Victory fans must have their hearts in their mouths.
And now there’s a corner for City. Can they get the equaliser? No, well defended.
Updated
A-League - 81 min: Oh my! A bad miss from Nabbout! He could have sealed the derby. It was brilliant work from Adama Traore who led Galloway on a merry dance before firing in a perfect cross. The striker made contact from about two metres out - but it was too faint, and it glances past Glover’s far post. Big miss.
And for fans of foils, check out this from earlier in the week. First it was data analysis in darts, now - fencing visualisation:
This changes how we watch fencing. What are other great visualizations for sports? pic.twitter.com/Wubz9tVsdG
— Xiao Ma (@xiaoma) December 17, 2019
A-League - 78 min: Another mini flashpoint as Kruse pulls Delbridge to ground after the two tangle. It may not be a full house (see: controversy over away ticket price-gauging) but there’s a terrific atmosphere inside “Melbourne Rectangular Stadium”, and they’re witnessing a game to match.
City pushing for the equaliser, Victory desperate to hold on, but still looking to hit on the counter. Its cut and counter-thrust out there, like an Olympic fencing tilt.
A-League - 72 min: Okay, let’s stay now with the Melbourne derby for the final twenty, because there’s a LOT going on out there. Kamsoba drives into the box and is only denied by a sharp save from Glover, before Delbridge lunges in on the Burundi international - is it a penalty? NO, says the referee and the VAR!
Big Bash - Strikers 2/41 (6), Weatherald 29*, Carey 5*
And after that poor start it’s turned into the Jay Weatherald show, as the Strikers opener has gone BANG, going after both Chris Green and Jono Cook. Six fours already - could this be the spine around which the Strikers can build an innings?
Golf: PGA of Australia - Adam Scott heads leaderboard into final day
And to wrap on the day from Royal Pines. Here’s our eyes at the course courtesy AAP:
Adam Scott produced the moment of the tournament to grab the outright lead at Royal Pines, where he’ll attempt to seal a second Australian PGA Championship on Sunday.
The former world No 1 lurked several shots off the lead all day before exploding late with brilliant birdies on the 16th and 18th to finish 10-under for the tournament and three-under for the day, one clear of Wade Ormsby.
Chasing his first title in more than four years, Scott drilled a five-metre birdie putt in front of the boisterous 16th ‘party hole’ par three crowd before his approach landed one metre from the flag on the last.
World No 18 and 2013 tournament winner Scott lapped up the gallery’s affection but, frustrated by a run of near misses in a consistent 2019, is determined to finish the job on Sunday.
“I made a good move at it (on the 18th) and it all worked out - you’d hope for that tomorrow to happen but you just never know,” he said.
“This golf course can bite you so it’s important you execute your shots well when you’re down in the valleys of sin around these greens.”
And here’s how the final day leaderboard reads:
We're set for a huge final day at Royal Pines with @AdamScott holding onto a tight lead going into the final day of play! Tomorrow on @Channel7#AUSPGA #AUSTA pic.twitter.com/8r9GF4ac7z
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 21, 2019
A-League - 61 min: And Victory’s big skipper, Toivonen, does succumb to that groin injury, but not before another delay to try and take the heat out of this contest a little. On comes the Dane, Jakob Poulsen, prompting a reshuffle that sees Kamsoba pushed higher and Kruse and/or Nabbout moving more centrally.
A few cards being shown, as Nabbout, Lesiotis and Luna all followed each other shortly into the book. Big last 30 to this now.
A-League: Goal! Melbourne City 1-2 Melbourne Victory (Delbridge)
56 min: Hello! It’s not like this game needed a spark - it was already a decent contest - but with a City goal, then is officially GAME ON again.
A marauding run from right back from Scott Galloway earns the home side a corner, and up lopes the big timber - Harrison Delbridge - to nod home his first ever A-League goal!
Big Bash - Strikers 2/9 (2.0), Weatherald 1*, Carey 1*
Ugh. And not the start the visitors would have liked. Sydney Thunder won the toss and elected to sent the Strikers in and hasn’t that worked out well for them. Salt and Short out cheaply, Sams and Cook the wicket-takers.
A-League 52 min: A break in play and a bit of niggle, unsurprisingly between the vocal Scott Jamieson and Leigh Broxham, after the Albanian import Migden Basha stays down following a typically “robust” derby tackle from the City skipper.
And if you missed how Glenn “not the Big Show despite James Brayshaw’s insistence at the moniker” Maxwell went last night after his time away from the game, you’d have to say: pretty well.
At risk of going “full Adam Collins” just put him in the bloody team already.
A-League: Melbourne derby - second half!
45 min: We’re back, and so is Ola Toivonen despite that niggling groin injury. Marco Kurz will hope his talismanic captain can hang out there for at least another 15-20 to help his team’s chances of defending this 2-0 lead.
And to clarify, that’s former lead-out man Mark Renshaw, not to be confused with Brisbane Heat BBL bowler Matt Renshaw. Which is as tidy as segue as I can find to say - we have live cricket action just around the corner as well.
A first look at Adelaide Strikers in the BBL - I want to say opening round, but it’s just one big round that happens every day, forever - right? They take on the Sydney Thunder shortly.
Hi all! Cheers Scott another solid shift at the coal face. Always happy to be the Mark Cavendish to your Mark Renshaw.
And speaking of happy, how good was it to see this man back in an Australian football stadium. Domo arigato, Ange Postecoglou.
Ange is back on Australian soil!#ALeague pic.twitter.com/wvOIk9QFCI
— FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 21, 2019
A-League: HT: Melbourne City 0-2 Melbourne Victory
An entertaining first half and Victory are good value for their two-goal lead. In Australian sporting parlance, they’ve come to play. It’s been a team effort thus far but Toivonen just knows exactly where to be at every moment. It’s been a ripper of an afternoon. The evening will be even better. Especially with Richard Parkin in the central commentary position. All yours, Parko!
Updated
A-League: GOAL! Melbourne City 0-2 Melbourne Victory (Toivonen, 41’)
It’s that man. Again. His back must be very sore, indeed. Nice ball to the right flank from Basha and City fail to deal with Nabbout’s subsequent cross, Toivonen in the right spot to head home from right in front. VAR takes a look for offside but no dice. That’s a 2-0 lead for Victory.
.@OlaToivonen20, what a guy! #MelbDerby #ALeague @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/LtU5NVEwhi
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 21, 2019
A-League: 39 mins: Melbourne City 0-1 Melbourne Victory
Now Nabbout goes down, upended by Noone. Another free, but the card stays in the ref’s pocket. This is turning into a good old-fashioned bash-up.
A-League: 33 mins: Melbourne City 0-1 Melbourne Victory
The heat hasn’t gone out of this game by any means. City are thrusting forward and Basha looks intent on stopping them all on his own. He’s getting very physical out there, using his arms and legs to repel City’s forward moves, but no card is forthcoming, much to Jamieson’s chagrin. A few minutes earlier, Victory fans held their breath as Toivonen went down and stayed down. But he looks fine to continue.
Golf: Flanagan blows the lid on the mystery of golf
After carding a 63 on ‘moving day’ at the Australian PGA, to go from the cut-line to within one shot of the lead, Nick Flanagan opened up with a few words that seem bland enough, but on second glance demystify everything that makes golf such a bugger of a sport to play.
I wasn’t trying to make a ton of birdies, was just trying to get it on the greens and kind of give myself putts today, and I tended to hit it closer than I had the last two days and I made all the putts.
Basically, get the ball on the green and putt it into the hole. I think I get it.
A-League: GOAL! Melbourne City 0-1 Melbourne Victory (Toivonen, 15’)
It’s that man Toivonen, who with more than half of Melbourne Victory’s goal tally this season adds another to give tangible reward to his team’s excellent start to this game. Beautiful gather from Kamsoba, beautiful cross from Nabbout and a beautiful header from Toivonen to beat the keeper at the far post. If Victory are to go all the way here, Toivonen must play a blinder. And this is a good start.
The Victory have come to play!
— FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 21, 2019
📺 Watch the #ALeague live on Fox Sports 505 NOW! pic.twitter.com/Ug6sMQYYwk
A-League: 10 mins: Melbourne City 0-0 Melbourne Victory
A very, very bright start to this derby, end-to-end stuff and lightning fast at that. The best early chance goes to Victory, and goes begging, as Kamsoba’s volley is expertly stopped by Glover with Nabbout spraying the return shot wide.
Good day for it #MelbDerby #MCYvMVC pic.twitter.com/x2iKBnqmVi
— Lucas J Gillard (@LJGillard) December 21, 2019
It’s almost time for the A-League derby in Melbourne. Roles have been somewhat reversed of late, with big brother Victory struggling and upstart City fling high. But Victory’s form at AAMI Park in these fixtures can’t be ignored. Maybe the real Victory will stand up this evening.
Teams:
MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Tom Glover (GK); Scott Galloway, Harrison Delbridge, Curtis Good, Scott Jamieson; Andrian Luna, Joshua Brillante, Connor Metcalfe; Marcelo Cabrera, Jamie Maclaren, Craige Noone. SUBS: Dean Bouzanis (GK), Rostyn Griffiths, Florin Berenguer, Nathaniel Atkinson, Lachlan Wales, Ramy Najjarine, Richard Windbichler.
MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-2-3-1): Lawrence Thomas (GK); Anthony Lesiotis, James Donachie, Tim Hoogland, Adama Traore; Migjen Basha, Leigh Broxham; Andrew Nabbout, Elvis Kamsoba, Robbie Kruse; Ola Toivonen. SUBS: Brendan White (GK), Storm Roux, Corey Brown, Jakob Poulsen, Brandon Lauton, Jay Barnett.
The Women’s World Cup could be played every two years instead of every four, according to Fifa musings. Really, can’t think of a good reason why not.
Cricket: Pattinson poised for Boxing Day return
Australia coach Justin Langer has removed any lingering doubt that James Pattinson will replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the line-up for the Boxing Day Test.
Langer raised eyebrows when he brought veteran quick Peter Siddle into the 13-man squad this week, but he confirmed Pattinson will get the nod ahead of Michael Neser and Siddle.
“I am really looking forward to seeing Patto bowl and bowl well in this Boxing Day Test, which is his home ground as well,” Langer told 6PR on Saturday.
- with thanks to AAP
A-League: FT: Wellington 2-2 Sydney FC
A thoroughly entertaining game. Sydney FC’s six-game winning run comes to an end, Wellington’s unbeaten run extends to six. Taylor’s own goal was no way for the Phoenix to cough up their lead but at least, from their point of view, they didn’t cough up all the points. They didn’t deserve to. On this evidence, the Nix are a finals team. And another goal for Le Fondre to strengthen his golden boot claims. Good stuff all round.
👊 Full time here at @WestpacStadium as we extend our unbeaten run to 6⃣ after the points are shared with @ALeague leaders, @SydneyFC.#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo#WELvSYD 💛 (2-2) 🔵 pic.twitter.com/C0MQ1FH8b9
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) December 21, 2019
A-League: 90 mins: Wellington 2-2 Sydney FC
It’s not exactly dying down, this one. Sydney FC are pushing for the three points, as you’d expect, but Wellington are taking a backward step, when one would expect them to safeguard the point. Three minutes of added time.
Who’s the best male footballer in the world? It’s always a messy debate.
A-League: 80 mins: Wellington 2-2 Sydney FC
Lovely ball from Caceres releases Ninkovic deep inside the box, but the keeper guards his near post to a nicety and the Sydney FC man’s shot cannons into the side netting. From afar, that would’ve looked like a goal. Always does.
A-League: 76 mins: Wellington 2-2 Sydney FC
Still anyone’s game in Wellington. But it could, should, have been 3-2 to Wellington, with Dávila missing a sitter from close range. Another substitution for Sydney FC - Barbarouses replaced by Buhagiar - but the Phoenix bench remains unmoved.
How about Glenn Maxwell’s return to cricket in the BBL last night? The break has done the man no harm whatsoever and it’s to be hoped he gets better and better from here. A fully fit and firing Glenn Maxwell makes Australia’s T20 World Cup squad every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
A-League: GOAL! Wellington 2-2 Sydney FC (Taylor OG, 56’)
Oh dear. Ninkovic’s first involvement results in a free-kick just outside the box, on the right. Brattan whips in a danger ball, which clears all intended targets before deflecting off the Nix skipper and into the net. All square.
The worst way to give up the lead.
— FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 21, 2019
📺 Watch the #ALeague live on Fox Sports 505 NOW! pic.twitter.com/M3gP56dxvv
A-League: 52 mins: Wellington 2-1 Sydney FC
Wellington still hold their half-time lead and they’ve started the second half much the brighter, with a definite chance to Sotirio barely seconds after the resumption. There’s also been a yellow card, with Grant cautioned for sliding into Dávila, and a substitution - Ninkovic on for Baumjohann. A goal down, Sydney FC call on Winston Wolf.
Australian PGA update - Flanagan on fire
Expecting father Nick Flanagan will do his best to continue playing pressure-free golf in Sunday’s Australian PGA Championship finale after equalling the course record to launch into contention.
The former US Amateur champion carded a bogey-free nine-under 63 to equal Ross McGowan’s mark and go from one-over to eight-under and a shot back from Saturday’s overnight leader. Chinese leader Yuan Yechun (nine-under) is on course with Adam Scott (seven-under), while two-times defending champion Cameron Smith (five-under) was even through five holes.
Flanagan was through the front nine in 30, before narrowly missing a number of birdie putts and one eagle chance that would have seen him flirt with a magical sub-60 shot round. He had a long birdie putt on the 18th to claim the record outright, which slid past and meant a simple par to close a memorable round.
Now based in San Antonio, Flanagan’s wife is expecting their first child in mid-January and he said, after missing a number of cuts in recent tournaments, he was treating Saturday’s round as a free swing. And while he knows the intensity will likely lift in front of larger galleries on Sunday, Flanagan insists he won’t overplay it.
“It got to a point today where I’ve been playing so bad and trying so hard that I thought I’d just go out there and not try at all, and all of a sudden, you loosen up over the ball,” he said.
“It’ll be different tomorrow. I’ll have to get back to being intense again but stay relaxed enough that it’s no big deal if things don’t work out. I’ve got a baby due in five weeks, that’s what I’ll be thinking about but obviously I’d love to go out there and win so it’s finding that balance again.”
- with thanks to AAP
W-League: FT: Melbourne Victory 0-0 Brisbane Roar
This was the game originally meant for Friday night but moved to Saturday morning because of the extreme heat in Melbourne. The Roar had been in good touch lately, winning their past two and scoring five goals in the process, but they couldn’t find a way past the Victory defence today. The draw did neither team a huge favour, with both outside the top four and in need of three-point injections. It was still pretty warm when the first whistle was blown at 10.30am, around 32C, but decidedly cooler than the 40C+ players would’ve faced yesterday.
A-League: HT: Wellington 2-1 Sydney FC
Adam Le Fondre reclaims the lead in the Golden Boot race ⚽️#WELvSYD #ALeague pic.twitter.com/xByrvKwcLn
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 21, 2019
😍 @piscopo_reno's first #Nix goal 😍#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo#WELvSYD 💛 (2-1) 🔵 pic.twitter.com/KzkLium0sj
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) December 21, 2019
And there's the LEAD!!
— FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 21, 2019
📺 Watch the #ALeague live on Fox Sports 505 NOW! pic.twitter.com/xehWg9cwgm
A-League: GOAL! Wellington 2-1 Sydney FC (Dávila, 37’)
Well, there’s been three goals to this point in time but a) Sportwatch hit the snooze button seven or eight times too many this morning and b) who starts games at 2.45pm? Anyway, a massive upset is on the cards here. The Phoenix, who trailed after Adam Le Fondre’s opener on 14 minutes, have hit back with strikes to Reno Piscopo and Ulises Dávila. Wellington haven’t beaten the league leaders across the ditch since 2013, but have won their past two home games. Game on.
Preamble
Afternoon, sports fans. I trust you’re keeping safe and well clear of this horrible heat. If you’re joining me from the UK, crank up the central heating and pop the kettle on. Sport hasn’t been immune to the effects of the dangerously high temperatures besetting many parts of Australia. Yesterday, New Zealand’s two-day cricket warm-up in Melbourne became a one-dayer (to be played tomorrow), the gallops at Moonee Valley were called off and the W-League game between Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar was moved from Friday night to this morning (it’s been run and won, with no winner except football itself). The rest of the day looks like this: A-League (three games, including the happening-right-now Wellington-Sydney FC game), Big Bash League (two games, or one if the smoke haze in Canberra doesn’t subside), plus Australian PGA golf and whatever else we can fit in. Please get in touch, by email or Twitter.
