Genreau snatches win for Macarthur FC

A blunder at the back proved costly for Wellington Phoenix as Denis Genreau snatched all three points for Macarthur FC in Wollongong.

Denis Genreau of Macarthur FC scores his team’s goal past Oliver Sail of the Phoenix at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Picture: Getty Images

A blunder at the back proved costly for Wellington Phoenix as Denis Genreau snatched all three points for Macarthur FC in Wollongong.

Genreau’s second-half goal was enough to decide the tie for the visitors, who then defended admirably to see out the 1-0 win.

It was a disappointing and frustrating performance from Wellington, who showed some signs of fatigue as they played out their third game in a week. They failed to create any real chances of note despite throwing everything they had at Macarthur in the final 20 minutes of the match.

Watch Every Match of The 2020/21 A-League Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

In the end it was a hard fought win for Ante Milicic’s side, who now climb up the ladder to third after just edging the contest.

“To come here and get three points and a clean sheet in what was a tough game, we’re delighted,” Milicic said.

“We got pinned back for the last 10 or 15 minutes after we scored. We wanted to keep the ball and play more in their half, but the game didn’t allow it. That’s sometimes what happens when you play not only a good opponent, but one that’s desperate at home to get something from the game.

“All in all I thought we defended really well and I’m delighted for the boys that they kept a clean sheet.”

There were precious few chances in a tense and tight first half.

Both defences held firm, but in truth had very little to do with neither side able to create much going forward. In fact, it took until the 36th minute for the best chance of the half when Tommy Oar skied his effort over the bar.

The home side were struck a blow inside the opening 10 minutes of the game when Steven Taylor limped off injured. He had his right thigh taped up as a precaution before the match, but Ufuk Talay decided against risking him any further.

If Wellington edged the first half, it was Macarthur who came out of the break with a little more spring in their step.

Nix goalkeeper Oliver Sail was called into action almost immediately when he got a couple of fingers to Ivan Franjic’s deflected shot off Loic Puyo. It wasn’t long after that Talay decided he’d seen enough, turning to his bench for reinforcements as he made a double substitution. Tomer Hemed and Clayton Lewis were hauled off, replaced by Jaushua Sotirio and Charles Lokolingoy.

The change didn’t have the desired immediate effect, with Wellington punished for some ordinary defending on the hour mark.

Franjic whipped the ball into the box, only for Tim Payne to steer the ball behind and force his own goalkeeper into making a good save. But Sail could only parry the ball straight to Genreau, with the young midfielder slamming the ball into the back of the net for just his second A-League goal.

As calamitous as the blunder was, the goal had been coming for the visitors.

Macarthur were happy to defend as the Phoenix chased an equaliser. A risky plan, but one that ultimately paid off with Milicic’s side taking home all three points.