Phoenix 4
Perth Glory 0
The Wellington Phoenix are on the charge. In a late rally reminiscent of their heroics in last season's Hyundai A-League, Ricki Herbert's team are right back in play-off contention after dispatching Perth Glory 4-0 in miserable conditions at Westpac Stadium yesterday.
In a weekend when results all fell in their
favour, the Phoenix cashed in.
They ended the day in seventh place - one outside the top six spot they need to be part of the business end of the season - but with games in hand and now, perhaps just as importantly, goal difference now their friend.
After the two Melbourne sides had played out a 2-2 draw and the Newcastle Jets - the other team in the four-way battle for survival - had been embarrassed 5-1 by the Gold Coast, the Phoenix had it all to play for.
After a near miss in the opening half minute, they needed just eight minutes to go ahead. That goal, from the second of 11 corners won by the home side, an own goal by Perth goalkeeper Tando Velaphi in his attempt to clear a Nicky Ward header from a ball played in by Troy Hearfield, gave the hosts the start they wanted.
They went close on a couple of occasions as they sought to add to that early success but were denied by the woodwork, including one ambitious effort from goalkeeper Danny Vukovic whose 21st minute clearance bounced once (and over Velaphi) before hitting the crossbar and eventually being cleared.
The visitors battled bravely with Todd Howarth and midfield pivot Steven McGarry in particular showing out but their efforts came to nought, although Howarth should have equalised a minute before the break when he headed a pinpoint Joshua Risdon cross wide.
Two minutes into the second spell the paltry 5115 fans had more to cheer about when Dylan MacAllister hit his long range free kick hard and low and watched as the ball deflected off McGarry before ripping into the Perth goal.
Twelve minutes later the home side slammed the door shut. Marco Rojas, with another of his jinking runs, got deep before pulling the ball back to Vince Lia who clinically booted home just his second goal in 84 A-League outings.
A minute from time, after the Phoenix had lost their way somewhat as Herbert rang the changes to rest key players before the forthcoming hectic schedule, Lia turned provider and substitute Chris Greenacre finisher as he powered his header through Velaphi's hands. It was an emphatic performance from the home side with Ben Sigmund again outstanding in defence.
They had an 11-2 corner count, 60 per cent of possession and 18 shots to 11 with seven on target.
In games against the Glory this season, the Phoenix have lost 2-1 and won 1-0 away before completing that series emphatically.
Herbert must now decide how he will approach Wednesday night's rescheduled fixture with the competition's runaway leaders Brisbane Roar. He can either go for broke against a team who have lost only one of 26 games this season or keep his powder dry for next Sunday's home game with the Jets.
Given what they have shown in recent weeks, including yesterday's record-equalling fourth-straight win at home, it will be no surprise if Herbert goes all out to make those games in hand count.
