Nix fans cry foul over Cup coverage

WELLINGTON Phoenix will try to break their FFA Cup duck tonight but their fans will miss most of the action.

The game against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford, north of Sydney, will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Australia’s website, with the only game on TV being the ‘‘feature match’’ between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar.

Sky Sports in New Zealand will show that match, which will include live crosses to goals from the Phoenix’s match, but only people in Australia will be able to view the continous Phoenix coverage.

The move was met with chagrin by some Phoenix fans on social media, while others said they would turn to illegal streaming websites to view the game.

The game is a good chance to see some of the Phoenix’s brightest young talent face their biggest test.

With just 17 senior players on the Phoenix’s books, Alex Rodriguez and Lewis Italiano injured, and new signing Blake Powell cup-tied, Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said it was an ideal opportunity for a young senior contract.

‘‘It would have been ideal to play more of those young players, but we have some boys playing with Wellington United, who can’t transfer across,’’ Merrick said.

‘‘We’ll have a full squad but it will be a younger squad and we’re excited about seeing how the youngsters progress over the pre-season.’’

Logan Rogerson and James McGarry were believed to be leading contenders to secure a professional contract, but both are Wellington United players and will be unable to put their credentials on the line in Gosford.

While it will be a young side, captain Andrew Durante said the team wanted to progress further than their maiden appearance last year, when they lost 1-0 to Adelaide United.

‘‘Hopefully we can get past this first hurdle, we fell out of the FFA Cup in the first round last year so we want to go a bit better this year.’’

‘‘This FFA Cup has really helped in getting the team to really strive for something in between the seasons, it’s been tough at Newtown with the weather and soggy grounds but the boys will be ready to go.’’

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