Soccer: Phoenix back injures shoulder in 1-all draw

An entertaining one-all draw between the Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand-based All Whites in Rotorua has been marred by a serious injury to Phoenix defender Louis Fenton.

Fenton dislocated his shoulder during the match yesterday after falling awkwardly in a tackle with New Zealand defender Tony Lochhead.

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said initial reports revealed he did not need surgery but would be out for six weeks.

Despite the disappointing injury, Merrick said his team played well without several key players, the scoreline a fair reflection of the game.

A 3533-strong crowd turned out to watch the match at the Rotorua International Stadium in overcast but rain-free conditions.

Neither team managed to stamp their authority on the match during the early stages with half chances falling to both teams.

However, the Phoenix came to life in the back end of the second half, led by attacking midfielder and new signing Carlos Hernandez. The Costa Rican tested the New Zealand keeper Glenn Moss from a free kick before sparking several other chances for Wellington.

New Zealand unleashed a counter-attack with impressive midfielder Matthew Ridenton putting Jeremy Brockie in on goal.

Brockie rounded the keeper and blasted wide from a tight angle.

Minutes later Hernandez and Phoenix striker Stein Huysegems connected for the opening goal.

Hernandez held a pass just long enough to release Huysegems, who rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into an empty net.

After the half-time break, the New Zealand-based All Whites came out the stronger, finding an equaliser.

Leo Bertos made a good run to the goal line before pulling a pass back to New Zealand teammate Aaron Clapham, who surged on to the ball to side foot it home from close range.

New Zealand almost replicated the move moments later, with some scrambling defence breaking down the play.

Both teams went in search of a winner during the rest of the game but could not quite find it.

A quick free kick from the Phoenix saw Huysegems race down the left flank before flashing a ball across the face of goal.

New Zealand also came close, with Brockie rocketing a volley at Phoenix keeper Jacob Spoonley who tapped the ball over the bar.

However, the score remained one-all at fulltime.

The curtain raisers also dealt up some good entertainment yesterday, the Rotorua Fire Brigade defeating Rotorua Police on penalties, following a 2-2 stalemate.

The Rotorua United women's team capped off a great year by winning the Federation Cup 5-1 against Cambridge.

The women's team completed a treble this year with the cup victory.