Tasty ... Heskey says local derbies are feisty no matter where in the world they're played. Source: AAP
Fox Sports' Mark Bosnich is joined by Newcastle Jets strikers Emile Heskey and Michael Bridges in reviewing the weekend's A-League action, with Heskey saying no matter where in the world you are, derbies are always 'a bit tasty'!
Melbourne Victory 2 defeated Adelaide United 1 at Hindmarsh Stadium
Michael Bridges: It's going to be tasty next Friday night (when the Jets play the Victory). I love the boy Marcos Rojas, I think he's a quality player and he's definitely one of their danger men. They've got an attack line that are going to score goals. That's where we've got to be on our guard. I think Melbourne Victory are vulnerable at the back these days and they've shown that ever since they lost Kevin Muscat.
Newcastle Jets 2 defeated Central Coast Mariat Hunter Stadium
Bozza says: There were some controversial decisions throughout. There was obviously the penalty, the two decisions that went against Central Coast in the first half, and one in the second half as well. We're not trying to pick on referees but I think it's important that it is pointed out sometimes when they do get it wrong - especially for those type of tackles that we saw in this game.
Heskey says: I've played in derbies in England and it's pretty much the same - a bit tasty! For the penalty, I knew the challenge was coming so I kind of got out of the way, but if the referee deems it as a penalty then we're happy for that. It is surprising everyone stayed on the field because over the years playing in derbies, I know how fiercely contested they are. This was no different. Everyone wants to win, everyone wants bragging rights.
Sydney FC 1 defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 0 at Parramatta Stadium
Bozza says: Sydney FC have to be satisfied, especially after their first two games against Wellington and Newcastle. A massive improvement, especially defensively. When you concede five goals in two games you have to make a few adjustments. Everyone played their part, from Ivan Necevski in goal with that super save he made, to Alessandro Del Piero, to the boys that came in.
Michael Bridges says: It's great for the league - the more derbies the better. The Melbourne derby kicked off the league and that was an absolute cracker, and as this game was on after our game I raced home to get on and watch and it was a great, great event for Australia in the A-League. Everybody played their part - the fans, the players. I got in the dressing after playing them last week and I said: "I cannot imagine how good Alessandro Del Piero was from 25 to 30 when he can do that at this age." He's just such a clever player. It's a joy to watch and it's great that he's here now so that the younger players in this country can actually witness first hand what it's all about.
Wellington Phoenix 1 draw with Brisbane Roar 1 at Westpac Stadium
Bozza says: Both sets of players deserve credit. It took a little bit of time to get going - the first 20 minutes was a little bit slow - but they were just feeling each other out. Then Brisbane really hit their straps, after they conceded the first goal to Wellington from Stein Huysegems, and played some wonderful stuff. Brisbane still are an absolute pleasure to watch and they'll be kicking themselves. They missed so many chances. But credit must go to Wellington, they hung in there. Mark Paston, the goalkeeper, kept them in the game and Brisbane had missed all those chances, and when you do that you run the risk of the opposition going up the other end and scoring. Brisbane had so much possession, it's so difficult to defend against them continually, but Wellington showed great heart to stay in this game.
Perth Glory 2 defeated Melbourne Heart 0 at nib Stadium
Bozza says: I thought the first half was good, the second half not so good, but Perth definitely deserved their victory. Melbourne Heart will look back upon perhaps the chance that Fred had in the first half when David Williams hit that free kick and it could have made it 1-0. John Aloisi won't be happy with two goals from set plays. But a very good performance by Perth Glory coming back after the defeat last week to Central Coast Mariners.
Michael Bridges says: It's a tough place to go (nib Stadium) and obviously it's a long way to travel. Glory have got that up their sleeve.It is a fortress - you know when you're going there that you're going to get a battle. Liam Miller has come over here and he's been inspirational the last two years, so he's taken them to a new level, and with Shane Smeltz and Billy Mehmet you know you're always in for a big handful with the two boys up front.
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