Greenacre takes charge but Nix fall metres short

Following the resignation of Ricki Herbert just weeks from the conclusion of the 2012/13 A-League season, former Phoenix player Chris Greenacre took charge but failed to spark change. Adam Taggart and Michael Bridges punished Wellington’s lulled first half performance with their 19^th and 44^th minute strikes.

Ryan Griffiths may have been flying to China, but Bridges was flying in Wellington.

The veteran midfielder was the architect during the opening 45 minutes. He pulled the strings and his skill gave Emilie Heskey two golden chances, but the former England international failed to take either opportunity. Bridges’ lovely headed goal minutes out from half time was well deserved.

Adam Taggart stepped up in Griffiths’ absence with a 19^th minute strike, the young forward finding the space from a Brillante cross to turn the ball in with the cool and technique of a world class player.

Wellington threatened a late resurgence with Jeremy Brockie’s goal on the hour mark, the ball rebounding to him following Fenton smashing his attempted shot right at Birighitti. Newcastle were only interested in holding on during the final half hour, and it opened the way for a hard pressing, fast tempo Wellington to emerge and apply serious pressure. Where this Phoenix team was in the first hour is the question Greenacre will ask his players.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom during the closing stages of the match for the away team, and although chances to close the game were missed by Craig Goodwin and Taylor Regan, it showed they could still pose a threat and forced Wellington to remain somewhat responsible at the back.

A Brockie rocket shot in the 92^nd flew just wide and signified Wellington’s season as they just couldn’t find the equaliser.

WELLINGTON: Moss, Lochhead, Durante, Sigmund, Muscat, Bertos, Lia, Brockie, Fenton, Ifill, Gameiro

NEWCASTLE: Birighitti, Ritter, Regan, Gallaway, Goodwin, Zadkovich, Caravella, Brillante, Heskey, Bridges