Wellington Phoenix will be coming into this game against the Central Coast Mariners full of confidence following three consecutive victories, including a best-ever away win on New Year’s Day. We’ll have live scores and commentary of this one from 5.00pm AEDT.
The Phoenix players have had plenty of knockers, espescially Stein Huysegems, who answered his critics last time out with a brace and an assist to help Wellington in their third consecutive victory.
This earned him player of the round honours, as the Phoenix demolished the Wanderers at their stomping ground in Parramatta, which coincidently was the first time the Wanderers had conceded more than two goals in a game this season.
Following their poor start to the year, Wellington sit just five points adrift the top six and everything seems to be clicking for Ernie Merrick’s men.
To further boost Wellington’s confidence, the Mariners lost New Zealand international Michael McGlinchey to a transfer to J.League club Vegalta Sandai following their goalless stalemate with Melbourne Heart.
The draw was enough to see the Central Coast side move up to third on the table, however this position isn’t comfortable, with Melbourne and Sydney both just one point behind.
To get the win, the sides must capitalise on opportunities.
Jeremy Brockie has been out of sorts for the Phoenix and hasn’t scored since Round 4; if he fails to score here then he will come under more scrutiny.
Same can be said about the Mariners, they seemed to be the only ones who couldn’t score against the luckless Heart.
Their fortunes have changed since Graham Arnold left the club but, as we seem to be saying every season, they are well and truly in the hunt.
Player to watch
Tyler Boyd – this young forward has been in good form of late, which saw him score against the Wanderers.
His link of play with Huysegems has been good of late and if that continues, the Phoenix will continue to threaten the net.
Prediction
Phoenix are in form and I expect that to continue, have them to win 2-1.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Makes you wonder doesn't it. Not good enough even if the conditions weren't all that flash.
Midfielder
Guest
Crowd 7,005 .... hhhmmmmmmmm wonders aloud ... long term at this level is this a worry...
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Can't find it anywhere.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time - Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Apologies guys can't find the crowd numbers anywhere. My man of the match is Manny Muscat. I thank you all for joining me for tonight's match. Hope you enjoyed the coverage.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Not one mention of it today, trying to scope it out for everyone.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time - Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners A stalemate in some blustery conditions, both teams had plenty of chances to break the deadlock in the 2nd half with McBreen's penalty the best of them all. I think the Phoenix will be happy with the draw especially considering it could've been easily 3-1 especially if Caceres scored which he should've. Wellington got their equaliser from absolutely nothing and the Mariner's goal was pretty lucky through Simon who caught the Phoenix ball watching, out of the two teams the Mariner's would be disappointed. The Phoenix have still been unable to come from behind to beat the Mariners.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Bloody Nix, why couldn't you pull off 4-in-a-row? Oh well at least they hung on for a point.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Did you catch the attendance today Brent?
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Will finish 1 all I think.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners 3 mins of extra time now.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Haha Spewin'!!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'89 Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Ibini has his pocket picked by Boyd and Krishna gets a chance to have it but fouls Sainsbury. Just getting scrappy late.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
C'mon Nix, I don't want my one all prediction to be correct :P
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'88 Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Could we see another late goal for either side to pinch it?
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Crazy few minutes, Sainsbury just got a yellow!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'87 Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Mariners control it in midfield and Durante underrates Sterjovski's pace. He finds space and sends it into the box, Moss is forced into a brilliant one on one save by Caceres. Ball pinballs up and Boxall is caught high by Caceres lucky not to be a red, should've been pinched by the Mariners. At the other end Hernandez nearly scores and it is nearly spilt by Reddy, would've fallen right to the feet of Krishna!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'83 Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners McBreen is finally brought off Caceres is brought on. Boyd really pressures Reddy as he drives, Reddy just gets a touch on it and tips it over. Foul against Sigmund as he crashes into Anderson, another wasted chance.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'82 Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Boyd is brought down? No it looked like a dive and the ref wants nothing on it. Rose on the counter punch drives it wide.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
55 goals in 70 games.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'80 Phoenix 1 - 1 Mariners Krishna is a prolific scorer in the New Zealand Premier League I guess you could call it.