The Wellington Phoenix shocked English Premier League outfit West Ham United 2-1 on Wednesday evening at Auckland’s Eden Park.
In a clinical all-round performance, the hosts illustrated the value of a full pre-season under manager Ernie Merrick and looked the more composed of the two sides.
West Ham looked short of match fitness and were left to rue becoming the first English side to lose in New Zealand since Scottish team Hearts did in 1976.
Two early goals gave the Phoenix a 2-0 lead after 26 minutes before a scintillating strike from Mauro Zarate set up a frantic final quarter.
But Wellington didn’t buckle and continued to illustrate their growth under Merrick with a mature performance.
Albert Riera proved his class in defence, while Nathan Burns’ aggression on attack rattled West Ham. Midfielder Matt Jarvis was dangerous down the left flank, but was left frustrated with his teammates’ finishing.
The two sides marked a minute of silence to pay tribute to Newcastle United supporters John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were killed in the MH17 disaster.
Winston Reid was given the captain’s armband for the visitors ahead of usual skipper Kevin Nolan, while Alejandro Gorrin, Burns and Andrew Blake were all given starts by Merrick.
Phoenix captain Andrew Durante celebrated his one-year extension with the club with the opener. Gorrin’s free-kick found Durante unmarked at the near post and he converted to give the hosts a surprising 1-0 lead after 12 minutes.
West Ham supporters were then left stunned after Gorrin calmly slotted a 25-metre shot past a diving Jussi Jaaskelainen to double the Wellington club’s lead.
The match levelled out significantly in the second half before Zarate’s superb strike from 25 metres cut the deficit to a goal.
Stewart Downing had an opportunity for an equaliser in extra time but the Phoenix stoically held on.
West Ham tackle Sydney FC before the Phoenix host Newcastle United in Wellington on Saturday in a double-header.
Justin Mahon
Roar Rookie
How can it be "meaningless" and a "kick up the arse"? I thought in the 2nd half the Hammers lifted their game significantly, but didn't find the answers. Well played Welly.
AZ_RBB
Guest
West Ham fans demand attractive football above all else and they have every right to do so. The club has arguably the best youth academy in the UK and therefore should be able to create a good football philosophy at the club which should be reflected on the pitch at the highest level. The club is moving into the massive Olympic Stadium soon so this is the time to get things right.
Anthony Ferguson
Guest
Come on, it was only West Ham. Well done the Nix in a great win they will always remember. For the Hammers a meaningless friendly but a kick up the arse nonetheless. As a Hammers fan it doesn't augur well for the new season. Why is Andy Carroll always injured before the season even starts? Hopefully Big Sam will be turfed out sooner rather than later.
ciudadmarron
Guest
Fuss, there's plenty of discontent about Allardyce. He was booed last season after wins for playing "19th century football". I've read reports he's been given 8 games by the owners to turn things around or he'll be out on his ear.
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
I'm sorry but by that logic we should have a team from any country that has a decent amount of players in the a-league
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
Oooh you didnt just say that did you? "i dont see NZ as being the 6th state of australia." I dont think anybody in the whole world does. WA, SA, QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS = 6 states
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
If New Zealand move into the AFC i'd be happy for them to remain or else gtfo
Derby County FC
Guest
Everyone likes a win, this will hurt WHU and WP will love the scalp but the result isn't important. It comes down to fitness, formations, tactics and giving younger players a go. That's as far as it goes I'm my opinion.
Bondy
Guest
Ben I agree ...
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
So, the result only matters when the ALeague team gets beaten? If I were a WHU fan, I'd be concerned that my team was absolutely rubbish - not just poor, but absolutely garbage - with only 3 weeks to go before the EPL season. WHU showed me last night that they have no structure, the players looked tactically immature & physically under-prepared against the NIX, whose season only starts in 10 weeks. Maybe it's a one-off but, if I were a gambling man, I'd be putting money on either: a) Allardyce being sacked before Christmas; or b) WHU finishing bottom of the EPL.
Justin Mahon
Roar Rookie
It was a cracking match. Well great value for the win. the Hammers had no answers. Friendly or not, this leagues come a long way.
brisvegas
Guest
I'd say Colback would be the only regular, but maybe not. Taylor might get a good run at one stage, until his inevitable injury, and Ameobi will be lucky to get a handful of sub appearances. They'll probably all get cup games, as will some of the other poms. Notice I have no problems spelling out Colback even though he played for 5under1and.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
". Pre season means absolutely nothing." Thats precisely it derby. Euro teams travelling in asia, oceania or the US during summer, theirs, couldnt care less about the results. Their hosts? Maybe a bit more as they are at home, all want the big scalp on offer but overall its meaningless. Plus every year 3rd or 4th div teams beat 1st league teams in all cups all around europe so nothing surprising in a kiwi team beating an english one.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Hah, that would have been interesting. They were all French/European players and based themselves in Singapore. I can't quite recall the arrangement however it all went to pot eventually with some interesting issues around the finances left hanging.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
"Singapore had a French team for a couple of years" That must've made for interesting trips to away games Ben!
AZ_RBB
Guest
I think the nature of print publications has completely changed. High end magazines still do really well particularly those who have incorporated mobile devices into their model. I'm sure LM will have an tablet friendly version but depending on the quality of the end product I might prefer the physical version. But I'm the type of 20-something that prefers vinyl over mp3 ie. the minority.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I sent feedback to TWG on their site as it is no longer suitably functional. I didn't get a reply. In the end it just became too hard so now I rarely visit, maybe once a fortnight if that, whereas before I'd cruise past daily.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
I forgot about Rob Elliot, although an Irish international he only qualified for them via the granny rule. He's actually a Londoner. I'd say that Taylor and C**b***k (I'm a Sunderland supporter, I can't bring myself to write his name) are likely to be first team regulars, as would be Ameobi and a few others who didn't play that game (Ryan Taylor, Mike Williamson). But let's be honest, the Sydney match was probably a blip, Newcastle are hardly proponents of stylish, swashbuckling football themselves. I certainly don't let the Newcastle-supporting members of my family forget the recent thrashings they've had at the hands of my club.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Across confederations as well. Singapore had a French team for a couple of years which was rather interesting. The Mexican champions play in the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores each year.
hemi
Guest
"i have no idea why you die hard aleague fans support an NZ team." How many NZers play in the A-league? quite a few!!!! You don't want a kiwi team in the A league but you don't seem to mind the amount of kiwis playing for the Australian based A league teams? HYPOCRITE