Phoenix suffers disappointing defeat as they head to A-League Finals

Wellington Phoenix could not capitalise their chances against a well-organised Newcastle Jets side in the team final match for the regular season of the Hyundai A-League. Despite not counting on top-striker Gary Hooper, the team coached by Ufuk Talay expected a win from this clash in order to secure their third place in the the league’s ladder.

The Nix pressed high the Jets in the first part of the game – despite being a constant danger for the opposition back line, Phoenix could not connect properly in order to score first in the match. After around 20 minute of pressure, Jets enjoyed more ball possession and started to be push up their lines and create some danger to the Steven Taylor’s defensive system. Unfortunately for New Zealand-based side, Jets found the nets just before half time as Nicholas Fitzgerald counted on a deflection from Luke DeVere to put the ball in the nets for his side.

In the second half, Phoenix introduced Alex Rufer in place of Matti Steinmann in order to reinforce their creativity upfront. Phoenix continued on top pursuing an equaliser and almost got when Liberato Cacace with an solo effort play almost forced Jets to an own goal, but it was brilliantly saved by young goalkeeper Noah James.

Birnie Ibini, in one of his first touches in the game, scored a fantastic goal to double the lead for Newcastle Jets – an unstoppable finish for Stefan Marinovic. Three minutes, a lapse of concentration allowed Jason Hoffman to receive the ball in the box to add another for his team; 3-0 for Jets.

Phoenix had at least two occasions in the match of a possible penalty denied by the referee – that according to senior NZF referees, they should had been given. Despite all efforts of Phoenix, the team is now heading to the finals in a bad record: in the last four matches, two defeats and two draws.

Wellington will wait the outcome of the final matches of Western United – the only team that can take their current 3rd place in the standings – to get to know their opponent in the first challenge at A-League finals. This will be second season in a row the club from Wellington heads to the league finals.