The Football Sack

.

Westfield W-League  

Enter your email address:

We will not send you any further emails or spam, just our W-League articles.

Hyundai A-League  

Enter your email address:

We will not send you any further emails or spam, just our A-League articles.

A-League Webcomic  

Receive the weekly Sack Attack Hyundai A-League Webcomic directly to your email.

Enter your email address:

We will not send you any further emails or spam, just the webcomic.

State Leagues  

Phoenix finally break winless drought

Monday, December 23, 2013

Wellington Phoenix received an early Christmas present this week after securing their first win of the season, overcoming Sydney FC 1-0.

The 'Nix came out strong holding most of the possession and having more shots on goal than their Australian opposition in the first half.

With great short passing and a strong forward line the 'Nix had everything they only lacked confidence in front of goal. That was until Stein Huysegems came to the party.

Huysegems was best on field for the evening, although his first set of shots just didn't have the accuracy to make it across the goal line. 

The Phoenix were not without opportunities however, and the fans finally did receive what could only be described as the goal they deserved - and the goal that they desperately needed.

Huysegems slipped around FC to secure the 'Nix a one nil lead into the break. 

Wellington managed to keep this lead in the second-half despite a 48th minute disaster blow, Paul Ifill going down with a suspected Achilles injury.

An eleven game winless streak is now - thankfully - over, and their impressive showing against the Sky Blue could be the base from which to salvage the season. 

Alessandro Del Piero is the most important cog in the Sydney wheel, and this team is consistently falling apart without their outstanding captain. 

Coach Ernie Merrick was unsure post-match what his next step would have been had the team not gained this much needed result. 


Wellington Phoenix: 1. Glen MOSS, 2. Manny MUSCAT, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Kenny CUNNINGHAM, 10. Stein HUYSEGEMS, 13. Albert RIERA,  16. Louis FENTON, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 21. Carlos HERNANDEZ, 22. Andrew DURANTE Subs: 5. Michael BOXALL, 7. Leo BERTOS, 11. Jeremy BROCKIE, 15. Jason HICKS.

Sydney FC: , 2.Seb RYALL, 4.Ranko DESPOTOVIC, 6.Nikola PETKOVIC,  8. Pedj BOJIC, 11.Richard GARCIA,  16.Joel CHIANESE, 19.Nicky CARLE, 20.Vedran JANJETOVIC,  22.Ali ABBAS, 27.Christopher NAUMOFF, 28.Matt THOMPSON. Subs: 1. Ivan NECEVSKI , 5.Matt JURMAN, 9. Corey GAMEIRO,15.Terry MCFLYNN, 21.Yairo YAU,