Vaughan Coveny. Photo / Simon Baker
Vaughan Coveny will be looking for more of the same when he leads the Wellington Phoenix against title-contending Queensland Roar at Westpac Stadium tonight.
Handed the captain's armband in the absence of regular captain Ross Aloisi and vice-captain Tim Brown, Coveny led the Phoenix to an encouraging 3-0
win over Perth Glory a week ago.
One of the most passionate footballers in the Hyundai A-League, Coveny, who has been used sparingly by coach Ricki Herbert for much of the season, responded to the leadership role in steering the Phoenix to a victory which kept slim play-off hopes alive.
While giving little away, Herbert hinted the same team who started against Perth will again take the field tonight meaning he will stay with three - Kristian Rees, Karl Dodd and Steven Old - at the back allowing Tony Lochhead to push forward to provide the width on the left with Ahmad Elrich doing the same on the right. Vince Lia and Michael Ferrante will complete the midfield. Coveny will be joined up front by goal-grabbing Shane Smeltz with Felipe providing the attacking support.
"We haven't done well against Queensland," said Herbert. "This is the chance to put that right. I thought we were good last week and they will be nervous as they are now close to the top of the table. They have been good for a while now. Maybe that will come to an end."
In their previous clashes this season - both at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium - the Phoenix lost 2-1 and 3-0. In the second game they had Elrich sent off after 34 minutes and then conceded three goals in 16 minutes. In the earlier clash they had one of those games when they were playing catch-up after conceding a fifth minute goal.
"Hopefully being at home will change things," said Herbert. "The guys have trained really well this week. They are certainly not giving up on making the play-offs.
"The league is a little strange that here we are with just five rounds to play and all teams are still in with a chance of making the top four."
A win tonight would put the pressure on the other teams particularly Melbourne Victory (just a point ahead of the Phoenix) who play Newcastle Jets in the Telstra Dome on Sunday.
