Phoenix unbeaten in lead-up to new season

The Wellington Phoenix completed their pre-season campaign unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Central Coast in Nelson yesterday. Wellington were helped in their cause when Mariners defender Jacques Faty was sent off in the 33rd minute for bringing down striker Roy Krishna. Ernie Merrick’s side can now approach their A-League season opener against Melbourne City on October 8 with confidence, even though they will be without up to five All Whites on international duty. Kosta Barbarouses and Krishna scored to hand them two wins against the Mariners in seven days.