The Wellington Phoenix are on a three match winless run and need all three points against the struggling Newcastle Jets to stay in touch with the top sides in the A-League. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEDT.
Both Wellington and Newcastle are coming off draws against Melbourne City and the Western Sydney Wanderers respectively. The Jets managed to salvage a late point against the Wanderers after winning a penalty near fulltime but that result does little to salvage what has been a poor season.
The Phoenix meanwhile started slowly against City and were lucky not to be behind at the break. Wellington’s play however improved significantly in the second half but wasteful finishing from Krishna in particular kept the scores at nil all.
Form-wise, both teams are struggling to hit their stride. The Phoenix showed glimpses of their best form in the second half against City but they can often start their matches slowly against opposition they are favoured to defeat.
Another slow start here could see Newcastle take advantage. The Jets may actually enjoy the trip to New Zealand given that it takes the players away from the off field turmoil currently engulfing the club back in Newcastle.
The result of today’s contest largely hinges on which Phoenix side shows up. If Wellington are able to build on their second half effort against City, then they should be too strong for the Jets this afternoon.
Krishna and Nathan Burns should be keen to fire for Wellington this afternoon after enduring a frustrating match against City last week, and if they hit top form, the goals should flow for the home side.
Overall, If the Phoenix are serious about challenging for the A-League championship, a win today is a must against the struggling Jets.
Phoenix to win 2 nil
Alan
Roar Guru
To their credit Wellington kept trying and trying as they dominated possession and created the majority of chances in this contest. Once again though they can't get the job done against a team they should have beaten. The Jets were outplayed but the handful of chances they did get they managed to put away. Two goals from corners in the first half gave Newcastle a two nil lead. Wellington managed to score two second half goals to secure a draw. The winless streak though extends to four matches for the Phoenix. Entertaining game all round. Phoenix 2 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
96' - Seconds remaining. Jets with possession. That second win won't eventuate today. Wellington looking for three points now. Time against them though and that's all she wrote! FULLTIME Phoenix 2 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
What a game this has been! Great comeback from Wellington from two goals down! Chance to win it at the death! Jets on the ropes! Phoenix 2 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
What a strike from Hicks! Superb freekick! Kennedy did not stand a chance as the ball finds the right hand corner!!! Can the Phoenix go on and secure a remarkable win??? Phoenix 2 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL PHOENIX Phoenix 2 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Burns fouled in a very dangerous position. Messi and Ronaldo territory. Right in front of goal near the semi-circle. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Jets hanging on to what would be their best win of the year. Cunningham now offside. Just a handful of chances for Newcastle today but they have made them count. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Good delivery. Kennedy struggles to punch the ball clear. Phoenix with the corner. Jets clear yet again. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE PHOENIX Boxall with a shot and Burns blocks the ball! Now Phoenix players getting in the way of their own team-mates! Kennedy I think had it covered anyway Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
RED CARD JETS - Newcastle down to ten men here with only 7 minutes left I guess including added time Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Reira with a wasteful pass and the Jets get the goalkick. I think they are home. Wellington just far too wasteful in front of goal today Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Jets with nice build up here and the ball played in to Hall whose shot is blocked and just as well! Jets once again nearly punish Wellington again. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Neville getting to his feet now. Two minutes lost because of this stoppage. Neville is off for Cowburn. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Jets with the freekick and more time to slow the game down and wind down the clock. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
jamesb
Guest
I love the ground. Better then Westpac that's for sure.
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Promising build-up yet again from Wellington. Direct play but again too many touches upfront allows the Jets to regroup and clear the danger Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Burns with a first time shot easily saved by Kennedy. Jets back with the football and they continue to hold on to slender lead. Here come the Phoenix again. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Wellington probing yet again. Wasted low cross into the area. Cunningham had time to pick his pass there. Jets under the pump. Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - McGlinchey off for Hicks as Wellington make their second change. Freekick whipped in by Rodriguez. Headed away by the Jets. Time still against Wellington. Burns now finds Krishna who controls the ball well and shoots with his right but again the ball hits the side-netting! CHANCE PHOENIX Phoenix 1 Jets 2
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - It has certainly been an entertaining game so far. Good fun. Wellington with a spring in their step. Still time perhaps to snatch a remarkable win. Phoenix 1 Jets 2