Wellington Phoenix started and finished their game against Perth Glory with a hiss and a roar, their inability to hold intensity for a full 90 minutes leading to the one-all draw. The Phoenix miss out again on securing that ever elusive three points.
The Phoenix came out in the first-half strong with Andrew Durante scoring within the first four minutes off a free kick from Carlos Hernandez..
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They stayed strong for around 20 minutes at which point the Phoenix slid back into the lackluster play we have become accustomed to of late.
The Phoenix continued to give Glory too much space on the field and not apply enough pressure. Hernandez was again virtually marked out of the game and only had opportunities when the Phoenix were awarded free kicks.
Hernandez’ Costa Rican counterpart Kenny Cunningham didn’t even make an appearance this game, and it’s questionable whether he will be a valuable sign for the team or not this season.
Going into the changing rooms at half time with a 1-1 score, whatever Ernie Merrick said to the team worked with the Phoenix awakening in the second-half to play like they had in those first 20 minutes.
The subbing of Albert Riera for Paul Ifill saw Ifill do what he does best, bring the team up a few notches and help maintain intensity. Unfortunately this late awakening just wasn’t enough to give the Phoenix a win with the lack of intensity in the middle of the match really losing the game for them.
Wellington Phoenix: 1. Glen MOSS, 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Reece CAIRA, 10. Stein HUYSEGEMS, 11. Jeremy BROCKIE, 13. Albert RIERA, 16. Louis FENTON, 17. Vince LIA, 18.Ben SIGMUND, 19. Carlos HERNANDEZ 22. Andrew DURANTE, Subs: 30. Jacob SPOONLEY, 25. Jason HICKS, 12. Tyler BOYD, 8. Paul IFILL, 5. Michael BOXALL
Perth Glory: 1. Danny VUKOVIC, 5. Steve PANTELIDIS, 6. Cameron EDWARDS, 7. Jacob BURNS, 8. Ryo NAGAI, 9. Shane SMELTZ, 14. Steven MCGARRY, 16. SIDNEI, 21. Scott JAMIESON, 23. Michael THWAITE, 24. Matthew DAVIES, Subs: 20. Jack DUNCAN, 10. Jamie MACLAREN, 4.Ryan EDWARDS, 3. Brandon O’NEIL
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