Maybe not the right thread because Nix reserves play in a different league but posting here anyway.
Went to Nix reserves vs Wellington United last night - cracking game honestly very enjoyable. Very even first half with plenty of chances both ways and quite a few near misses/good saves. Second half I think Phoenix had more composure especially after taking the lead (a somewhat scuffed shot from Sienna Candy that had the placement to find the bottom left corner nonetheless). Were better in possession and more adept at playing out from the back than United who made a few mistakes/panicked a few times in that aspect of the game. That said it was a close game and United had their chances.
Zoe Barrott as you would expect was a standout at the back for United, while their young forward Anchico caused Phoenix a heap of problems with her pace and low centre of gravity, but wasn't quite there on decision-making aspects.
Ella McMillan looked a class above for Phoenix and was POTM in my opinion, while Brooke Neary in goal was super cool dealing with crosses, composed on the ball and made some cracking saves.
Enjoyed a great crowd too - would have been 200-300 there in the grandstand at Newtown Park, and there were plenty there for both sides (including David Dome and the very vocal Phoenix U18 side!). Hot chips and an empanada at half time from the WU clubrooms helped the experience too!
Went to Nix reserves vs Wellington United last night - cracking game honestly very enjoyable. Very even first half with plenty of chances both ways and quite a few near misses/good saves. Second half I think Phoenix had more composure especially after taking the lead (a somewhat scuffed shot from Sienna Candy that had the placement to find the bottom left corner nonetheless). Were better in possession and more adept at playing out from the back than United who made a few mistakes/panicked a few times in that aspect of the game. That said it was a close game and United had their chances.
Zoe Barrott as you would expect was a standout at the back for United, while their young forward Anchico caused Phoenix a heap of problems with her pace and low centre of gravity, but wasn't quite there on decision-making aspects.
Ella McMillan looked a class above for Phoenix and was POTM in my opinion, while Brooke Neary in goal was super cool dealing with crosses, composed on the ball and made some cracking saves.
Enjoyed a great crowd too - would have been 200-300 there in the grandstand at Newtown Park, and there were plenty there for both sides (including David Dome and the very vocal Phoenix U18 side!). Hot chips and an empanada at half time from the WU clubrooms helped the experience too!
I don't have many other club venues to compare to (Fraser Park doesn't really count since the Phoenix run as a business), but based on three visits to Newtown Park so far I like the welcoming atmosphere. I'm pretty sure that's their chairman Dave Webster serving up the hot food behind the counter, it's definitely welcome at halftime!
Depending on the weather I'm quite tempted to rock up next Friday night for the United-Karori game as well - I haven't watched Karori since their very first game of the season, but judging by the results since then they'll be good opponents for the Diamonds.