Phoenix 3 Waitakere United 1
The Wellington Phoenix had another useful workout last night beating Waitakere United at Trusts Stadium.
Better finishing in a strong second half effort handed the visitors their deserved victory over a scratch home team who were left to rue missed opportunities.
As a test for his trialists, Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert would have be well-satisfied.
Both teams, especially in the first half, looked to attack with some decent free-flowing play which produced clear-cut scoring chances.
But for some woeful finishing, Waitakere could have stunned the visitors in the 20th minute when Ryan Baldachino carved in from the left - not for the first time - before playing the ball square to Sam Margetts. His poor effort flew wide.
Charging straight back to the other end, the Phoenix won a penalty when Daniel was bundled over. Paul Ifill quickly beat Andy Ralph's gallant attempt to save.
Ifill left the field, in no apparent discomfort, 15 or so minutes later to be replaced by Mirjan Pavlovic.
Five minutes before halftime Waitakere won a free kick deep on the left. Martin Bullock's pin-point floater picked out Chris Bale who glanced a neat header home for 1-1.
Two minutes later Waitakere, who had missed one in the opening minutes when Allan Pearce headed a Baldachino cross over the top, should have taken the lead but Ross McKenzie fluffed his attempt after a precise build-up which presented him with as near a perfect opportunity as he could have wished for.
Waitakere coach Neil Emblen made changes at halftime with only a couple of survivors. The re-jigged line-up took time to settle by which time the Phoenix carved through, found Pavlovic who provided the clinical finish for 2-1.
Determined to kill it off, they kept attacking, created a handful of chances but without adding to their haul.
Waitakere did get forward and should have equalised but for the miss of the night when substitute Keegan Linderboom opted for the high rather than low route and sent the ball flying harmlessly high and wide.
Pavlovic had the last say when he scored after being left unattended in front of goal.
