Durante, Rudan booed on return

They were booed throughout but it was Mark Rudan and Andrew Durante who had the last laugh as Western United started life in the A-League with a tight win over Wellington Phoenix.

Besart Berisha — the A-League’s record scorer — gave Western the perfect start by tapping home from close-range in the 34th minute to secure a 1-0 win in a dour match lacking the expected hostility.

Connor Pain’s cross was knocked back across goal by opposite wingback Josh Risdon and found Berisha unmarked in the six-yard box, giving him the honour of scoring Western’s first-ever goal.

Playing against the Phoenix after 11 seasons as captain, Durante was booed by supporters whenever he touched the ball in the first half of yesterday’s A-League opener at Westpac Stadium.

Speaking to Stuff prior to his return, Durante said he was bracing for a hostile reception.

‘‘The fans, if they want to boo or jeer that’s just part of the game. I’ve been a pro for a very long time and it’s something you can’t control, you just deal with it and my focus will be on getting three points and representing Western United to the best of my ability now,’’ he said.

Rudan was also given a rude welcome back to New Zealand, with a chorus of boos ringing out as he followed the players on to the pitch before kickoff and again at halftime.

In the lead-up to the muchanticipated season opener, Phoenix coach Ufuk Taylor and captain Steven Taylor asked the fans to show respect to both Rudan and Durante.