Talay unconcerned as Phoenix carry loss into playoffs
The Wellington Phoenix are heading into the A-League playoffs on the back of a frustrating loss to the Newcastle Jets in their final regular-season game.
The 3-0 score wasn’t a true reflection of the match, with Wellington dominating for long periods and repeatedly denied by a spirited defensive effort from Newcastle and an impressive debut from teenage goalkeeper Noah James.
Despite the loss, the Phoenix remain third and will finish in that position (their best) unless Western United beat both the top sides — Sydney FC and Melbourne City — in the two remaining games of the regular season.
It also seals second place for Melbourne City, earning them direct entry into the semifinals along with minor premiers Sydney FC.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay concedes defeat was a disappointing way to finish the regular season but they have achieved what they wanted.
“I don’t think it was a 3-0 game. Proud of the boys, proud of the commitment, the intent of the players, just disappointed with the outcome.
“We’ll be playing finals football, which is most important for us.”
The result means they have won only one of their six matches since the competition resumption, collecting just five of an available 18 points, but
Talay isn’t overly concerned.
“I spoke to the boys after the game and said, ‘look, it’s disappointing we lost the game, but for me, the performance was most important’.
“We totally dominated against
Newcastle and created enough opportunities to win the game in the first half. It’s good we’re creating [chances]; if we weren’t creating, that would be a problem.”
The Phoenix laid siege to the Newcastle goal from the opening whistle but were unable to find a way past a packed Newcastle defence, protecting 19-year-old James in goal.
The best chance fell to David Ball, who was unable to profit in a one-onone situation, while Callan Elliot saw his angled shot tipped over, and Ball had the ball in the net, only to be denied by an offside flag. James fortuitously saved one close-range goal-bound effort with his head.
Despite the onslaught, Newcastle held firm and opened the scoring late in the first half, Nick Fitzgerald finishing a flowing move and beating Stefan Marinovic from 10m with the help of a deflection off Luke DeVere.
Marinovic was called into action early in the second half, flinging himself to his left to save brilliantly as a deflected shot from Dimi Petratos looked destined for the top corner.
Angus Thurgate also saw his firsttime effort cannon off the post after a Jets counter-attack. But as the Phoenix chased an equaliser, the game opened up and substitute
Bernie Ibini doubled Newcastle’s lead with a powerful run and shot from outside the area.
Wellington had a confident shout for a penalty waved away before Jason Hoffman extended the margin shortly afterwards.
Wellington now have nine days to regroup and prepare for an elimination final but won’t know who they’ll face until the last match of the regular season is played on Wednesday.
The Brisbane Roar, Western United and Perth Glory are all possible opponents.
Talay says the uncertainty does not change how they will prepare.
“We’ve played against each other a lot this season, so the preparation will still be the same. We’ll play our style of football.”
Forward Gary Hooper and defender Tim Payne didn’t feature due to injury, and Talay says they will reassess the pair next week.
Talay said Ulises Davila, who left the field with an ice pack around his ankle, should be fine.
“He just cramped up and I didn’t want to take any risks leading into the finals.”
Newcastle Jets 3 (Nick Fitzgerald 45, Bernie Ibini 76, Jason Hoffman 79) Wellington Phoenix 0