Wickedly untrue – Nix Article

Wickedly untrue – Nix Article

Not really this was posted on the SBS web site.

 

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/a-league/index.php?pid=st&cid=102145

 

On the Mark

 

 

One of the many good things Wellington Phoenix has achieved this season is show that a New Zealand team can be a success in the A-League.

OK, there are those who believe there is no place for a team from across the Tasman in the league, and that another Australian franchise would be a better option.

And as Ricki Herbert's side finish round 17 only one point off the foot of the table, perhaps using the word 'success' is over-doing things a little.

But given what went on in seasons one and two with the New Zealand Knights, Wellington HAS been a huge success both on and off the field.

The club has attracted over 100,000 people through the gates this season for an average home crowd of 11,394 - more than Adelaide United (11,391), Central Coast Mariners (10.349) and Perth Glory (7,412).

As a comparison, the New Zealand Knights averaged 3,909 in season one and 3,092 in season two.

The Knights chalked up six wins in two seasons - the Phoenix has four this season already. And it could so easily have been five after it was held to a 1-1 draw by a Queensland Roar side that ended up hanging on for a point on Friday night.

Queensland took the lead in just the fifth minute with Robbie Kruse finding Massimo Murdocca, who squared to Reinaldo who finished with some expertise for a fine goal.

The visitors looked to be in command early, the home side's opening 10 minutes perhaps summed up when Michael Ferrante was penalised for a foul throw, but soon after the Phoenix should have been given the chance to equalise when Stuart McLaren handled in his own area.

At first viewing it looked a clear penalty, and none of the replays did anything to suggest otherwise.

On 23 minutes Vince Lia wasn't too far away with a dipping volley, and two minutes later Shane Smeltz knocked in his eighth of the season to level things.

Smeltz initially looked like he wasn't sure what to do when set clear down the left, but he ignored team-mates in support which proved a wise decision when he finished in some style.

The home side continued to look the team most likely after the break, Vaughan Coveny coming close with just 20 minutes remaining, but the Roar held on despite looking unusually lethargic in the closing stages.

Defensively Wellington still look suspect - they have the worst defensive record in the league - but Herbert's recent switch to a back three means the side counter that by looking more dangerous in attack.

Smeltz looks happier when partnered by Coveny rather than left on his own up-front, while Tony Lochhead continues to impress on the left despite being pushed further forward.

The main thing though is the team is competitive, which is some achievement given the club is two years 'behind' the other A-League teams.

We are probably getting to the stage where one or two new sides would provide a real boost to the A-League and inject the touch of excitement that has unfortunately been missing this season.

There is still a chance Wellington could finish bottom, with Perth Glory impressing in round 17 and Melbourne Victory surely due a couple of wins.

But no matter what happens between now and the end of the season - and for all the welcome talk of two new Queensland franchises - the Phoenix have done much to prove that any new additions should not be at New Zealand's expense.

Glad to see respect from across the Tasman. Especially as it means I'm not the only Australian who thinks the Phoenix are a good thing (albeit having the bias of also being half kiwi )

Everyone I know loves you guys over here. You're easily the most enjoyable side to watch.

Even the Queenslanders?

Glad we provide an entertaining match for you lot, rather than being essentially a bye round as the Knights were. Be sure to keep sending away fans over, they're always welcome (Even the Sydney fans who call me a traitor for not wearing blue, despite being from Nowra!)

LOL, 'sif I'd know any Queenslanders...

We'll have to have a rematch kickaround too. Last time I only got to watch instead of play, but who knows, if we need a keeper next time...