Opening day stalemate for Nix
Weakened Wellington earn a point after Adelaide fail to convert more of their chances
Ablistering start promised so much more as Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix ground out a 1-1 draw in their opening A-League encounter yesterday.
The action matched the temperature on a frigid Sunday afternoon in Wellington as the visitors failed to turn their superior chances in front of goal into more.
The Phoenix didn’t score in their opening three matches last season but it took just five minutes for a newlook side to open their account at Westpac Stadium. head coach Darije Kalezic in a team featuring six new signings.
They were missing captain Andrew Durante, Tom Doyle and Michael McGlinchey, who were on international duty with the All Whites in Japan this week, while Gui Finkler was ruled out with injury.
The absence of McGlinchey and Finkler was keenly felt as Adelaide won the midfield battle, looking more comfortable in possession than the hosts.
However, Alex Rufer had some excellent touches and made a brilliant run in the 32nd minute, blazing over from 20m out.
Before that, Phoenix defender Marco Rossi headed over from 6m out, while striker Andrija Kaluderovic, struck a shot straight at Izzo after cutting in from the left.
A mix-up between Phoenix fullback Ali Abbas and Smith nearly led to a goal for Daniel Adlung.
The best second-half chance fell to Adelaide’s George Blackwood but his header was denied by a reaction save from Smith.
The visitors had the better of the chances in the match, buoyed by an influential performance from Mileusnic wide on the right.
Like the Phoenix, they paid for a lack of killer touch in front of goal.