Football: Phoenix knocked out of FFA Cup

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick had to watch from the stand as his side were knocked out of the FFA Cup last night, losing 1-0 to Adelaide United. Photo / Getty.

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick had to watch from the stand as his side were knocked out of the FFA Cup last night, losing 1-0 to Adelaide United.

The FFA had banned Merrick from the touchline over a 'Code of conduct' issue.

Merrick who has openly criticised the FFA's handling of the Michael McGlinchey contract dispute with the Central Coast Mariners, is frustrated.

"It's a little bit more to it than that. I won't go into it just now but thought it was pretty pedantic for an FFA Cup game but I did enjoy the game from where I was. I think I'll do it more often. In fact I think the players were happy with me up in the stand."

Merrick said the Phoenix had their opportunities in the match but were not able to recover after conceding a goal to Sergio Cirio on the half-hour mark.

"Felt as though we had to score a goal, probably should have had a penalty if not one maybe two in the first five minutes," Merrick said. "If we'd got a penalty it might have been a different game but we created enough chances to score goals, we didn't score goals, so the team that scores the most goals wins."

Merrick has lashed out at the FFA over its handling of the Michael McGlinchey situation. The side was again without the All Whites midfielder, who is caught in the middle of a tug of war between the Phoenix and the Central Coast Mariners.

Merrick says the FFA haven't acted quickly enough.

"They had the hearing on Monday and they'll let us know in a couple of years. It's been going on for a couple of months. The process...I just don't see why they've left the boy in limbo for so long. One way or the other just let us know...and he missed out on playing two EPL sides as well."