Phoenix a team on march
VAR controversy overshadows hard-fought victory but win the perfect start to Mark Rudan’s reign
The Phoenix are on the march.
It’s been long time since anyone could say that, but a 2-1 win over Newcastle is a promising start.
It’s just the second time the Phoenix have won their opening game in 12 attempts — the perfect start to coach Mark Rudan’s reign.
The Australian has been reluctant to make any big predictions ahead of this campaign, but he has regularly promised “100 per cent commitment” from his team.
That was what they delivered, and the intensity of effort, a generous slice of luck, plus pre-season conditioning and organisation, achieved this outcome.
Sadly it will be overshadowed by more VAR controversy, as technology-driven decisions ruled out a Phoenix goal, then gifted the Wellington side a penalty. Both were highly debatable, at best.
The Phoenix’s intentions were clear from the start. Rudan set up a five-man defence, though wing backs Liberato Cacace and Louis Fenton had licence to get forward in possession. In front of them sat Alex Rufer and Spanish import Mandi Sosa, an extra shield.
It meant the Phoenix struggled to get a flow in possession, especially in the first half, as the hopeful ball forward was often the only option. It wasn’t always pretty to watch, but given what the Phoenix have been through in recent seasons, that probably doesn’t really matter. All the fan base want, as a starting point, is a team that will work hard for each other, and not fall apart at the slightest hint of pressure. That’s what they got.
The first Phoenix goal in the 33rd minute was against the run of play, but also a reward for their effort. The ball skimmed off the head of Jets’ defender
Daniel
Georgievski and past
Glen Moss, after Steven Taylor had directed a Sarpreet Singh free kick back.
Before that the best chances had fallen to the visitors, with Jets forward Jair wasting one and Matt Ridenton missing a good opportunity on his return to the capital.
Roy Krishna went close off a Fenton cross in the second half, as the Phoenix started to get more possession in the final third, while the Jets pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The Phoenix were unlucky not to extend their lead just after the hour mark, when Singh put the ball into the net from a close range rebound after a David Williams shot. After VAR intervention the referee judged the ball had touched Singh’s arm and torso. It was a marginal, though probably forensically correct call. But it hurt, especially as Williams should have done better with his shot.
Phoenix goalkeeper Filip Kurto tipped a Nigel Boogaard header spectacularly on to the crossbar to keep their lead intact, before a foul on substitute Mitch Nichols allowed the referee to find a penalty, via VAR. It was dispatched by Krishna before a consolation strike from Dimitri Petratos seconds before the final whistle. Wellington Phoenix 2 (D Georgievski own goal, R Krishna). Newcastle Jets 1 (D Petratos). Halftime: 1-0