Phoenix continue unbeaten run as they win Mariners at Sky Stadium

Phoenix extended to eight their unbeaten run in the A-League with a hard fought win against Central Coast Mariners last Saturday at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Before losing four matches in a row at the starting of the season, the current streak puts Phoenix in the top places of the ladder battling for big things in the season.

The most important signing of the season for the New Zealand side, Gary Hooper, started for the team for just the second time in the season. The striker scored when started the game against Melbourne City and opened the account for Phoenix against Mariners after a brilliant pass of David Ball that allowed Tim Payne to enter the area and find Hooper unmarked just to give the final touch.

Phoenix had some problems in the defense as Giancarlo Gallifuoco hit the woodwork with a powerful long-range shot just before Hooper scored Phoenix first goal. Central Coast created opportunities especially with the former Socceroos member Tommy Oar.

Phoenix found the nets again with a solo effort of David Ball, passing two defenders and finding the low corner of the opposition goalkeeper. The ball was almost touched by the midfielder Ulises Davila in the process, but ended in the back of the net. The goal was awarded to Davila in the official report by the referees, but it might be changed during the week as the Mexican clearly does not touches the ball.

Just after conceding the second goal, CCM once again hit the post with a superb shot from the captain Tommy Oar, but their efforts paid off in the last moments of the first half when Mariners reduced the deficit after an unfortunate Luke DeVere flick on. He touched the ball backwards with his head after a cross from the right – an attempt to clear the ball ended in his own nets allowing Central Coast to go just one down to the break.

In the second half early minutes David Ball suffered a muscle injury and needed to be replaced by Jaushua Sotirio. Phoenix created opportunities, but turned its attention to defense to hold the lead. Mariners introduced offensive players as Samuel Silvera in order to score an equalizer; good chances were wasted by the team, but unfortunately for them the score remained untoched until the final whistle.

The win puts Phoenix in the 4th position in the A-League standings just four points away Melbourne City – that is currently the 2nd placed side in the run. The Nix will be back to the pitch next Satruday (12/01) when they face Western Sydney Wanderers at home.