Four-goal win margin flatters Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix were flattered by their 5-1 winning margin over Wairarapa United in their football friendly played before a large and boisterous crowd at Hullena Park, Masterton yesterday.
The hosts created several prime scoring chances throughout the 90 minutes and had the edge in territory and possession in the second half but struggled to get the ball in the back of the net.
A Phoenix side containing only a couple of first string players struggled to get any rhythm or flow into their attacking play but still finished with five goals, three coming in the first half and the others late in the second.
For Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, yesterday's game had a two-fold purpose. First, it gave some of his younger talent who might still be season or two away from starting regularly in the A-League an opportunity to show their paces. Secondly, and in his opinion just as important, it gave the Wairarapa sporting community the chance to witness some high quality football.
''Football is on a high all around the country and it's great for places like Wairarapa to be involved in a promotion like this,'' Herbert said between being besieged for autographs. ''Everywhere we go, the people have given terrific support and this is no exception.''
Herbert would have been pleased with the attacking skills shown by Australian Mirjan Pavlovic, expected to be his last under-21 signing for the Phoenix. He scored three goals and while he gave the impression of drifting in and out of the game, he was decisive whenever a scoring opportunity arose.
There were hints too that Aucklander Thomas Spragg and Otago's Tristan Prattley are age group players who will make their name on a bigger stage. Reg Devani from Papua New Guinea showed some nice touches as well. He scored one of the two other Phoenix goals, along with Argentinian Roberto Oscar Cornejo, who was signed for the A-League squad this week. He had a relatively quiet game, as did A-League regulars Daniel and Paul Ifill, the latter joining the action midway through the second half.
Wairarapa United strikers Andrew Abba and Seule Soromon looked full of running all game and caused the Phoenix defence constant problems with their never say die attitude.
Abba, especially, often made room for himself and he thoroughly deserved the goal he stole early in the second half when a couple of Phoenix defenders were caught napping.
Nick Roydhouse, Pedro Garcia (''imported'' from Lower Hutt City) and Ian Sandbrook were top value for Wairarapa United with their accurate distribution and committed support play in midfield, and there was a lot to admire about the solidness on defence of Pita Rabo and James Oxtoby.
Goalkeeper Nicholas Haywood from Palmerston North Marist had some nervous moments but deservedly won plaudits for making a couple of outstanding first-half saves.