Auckland City FC turned their ASB Premiership homecoming into a Club World Cup hangover yesterday, as they were soundly beaten 3-1 by the Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has hinted that rival English Premier League clubs might have broken transfer rules by "tapping up" Winston Reid.

Steven Gerrard's long goodbye started in style with Liverpool's captain starring in his first game since announcing he would be leaving the club at the end of this season.

Ernie Merrick has engineered an amazing turnaround at the Wellington Phoenix who have placed themselves firmly in the centre of A-League title calculations.

Jeremy Brockie has finished his Wellington Phoenix stint with one of his best performances.