Wellington Phoenix dominate a despondent Jets

The Wellington Phoenix have consolidated a top four spot on the Hyundai A-League ladder after a convincing 1-0 win over a despondent and desperate Newcastle Jets at Ausgrid Stadium last night.

The Jets’ inconsistent and roller-coaster season took another dive after they failed to create chances against a smart and classy Phoenix line up.

Birthday boy Ben Kantarovski was unlucky not to have scored in the 17th minute. A brilliant back heel flick from Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich saw Kantarovski’s shot on goal flying just over the crossbar.

Despite the humidity on the pitch the Jets continued to fight late in the first with a shot on goal attempt from Labinot Hailiti sailing just over the crossbar, much to the relief of ‘Nix goalkeeper Mark Paston.

Notably absent from the Jets’ lineup was Tiago Calvano and Kasey Wehrman, whose future with the club is shrouded in controversy and speculation after a reported falling out with coach Gary Van Egmond. In light of Wehrman’s absence English midfielder Michael Bridges stepped up to the plate, driving the team on the park until his substitution in the second half.

The one goal in the game came in the 57th minute after Wellington pushed the ball forward onto the right foot of Emmanuel “Manny” Muscat who then fired the ball around an increasingly frustrated Ben Kennedy, putting the visitors into the lead.

The home side certainly looked second best, quickly fading in after half time as they increasingly slid in sloppily for tackles, knocked people over and played with little creativity.

Newcastle Jets coach Gary Van Egmond believes the team lacked ideas and creativity, and that was what cost his side the game.

“We were a little bit devoid of ideas I think in that front third. And unfortunately, when you play against a team like Wellington they will make you pay and that is exactly what happened.

“We always knew there were going to be inconsistencies this year, but I think we thought we had gotten over that hump, especially from Perth to now, I think we have improved steadily as we have gone along. But tonight I think was disappointing. Just from the fact that we controlled the main state of game and we just weren’t clever enough in that front third”.

Wellington Phoenix coach Ricky Herbert praised his teams efforts, celebrating their two wins on the road, a club record since inception in 2007.

“I think it was a testament to the boys.In the end I was pretty happy. I think everybody thought we would be in the bottom but in all seriousness, everyone is working really hard at this club, it's been a big transition as you know but I’ve backed this group".

Despite now sitting only one point behind Brisbane Roar, Herbert wasn’t quick to declare victory in the race to the Grand Final.

“We’re not going to let go. there is a lot at stake and a lot of desire. It’s a tough league, it’s such a good league, but you just don’t know week in and week out”.

Wellington will look to continue their run of good luck as they take on Melbourne Heart at home next week.