Was there today - Nix were by far the better side and I though 2-0 flattered Miramar, Nix failed to put away some pretty simple chances (Waine had a 1 on 1 early, Sotirio missed an empty net, Payne had 2 huge headers, one hitting the keeper and the other the man on the post, among others). Rufer also unlucky not to score at the death with Keegan Smith making a huge triple save. Paulsen in goal had almost nothing to do, not sure he had a single dangerous shot to deal with but did look tidy playing it out.
Elliot really impressed me, especially first half and I thought Old and McGarry linked up well. Ball looked a class above (beat his man handily and got a shot away, which was parried to McGarry for the first goal) and Lewis and Rufer controlled the game with relative ease. Waine took his penalty nicely and had some good hold-up play.
Only saw 2 subs made, Jackson Manuel came on as a 6 and (i think) Adam Supyk as a left back, both with about 5 minutes to go.
On a more concerning note I saw Fenton in a serious looking knee brace and overheard Waine talking about someone doing an MCL - not a great start for Louis!
Was there today - Nix were by far the better side and I though 2-0 flattered Miramar, Nix failed to put away some pretty simple chances (Waine had a 1 on 1 early, Sotirio missed an empty net, Payne had 2 huge headers, one hitting the keeper and the other the man on the post, among others). Rufer also unlucky not to score at the death with Keegan Smith making a huge triple save. Paulsen in goal had almost nothing to do, not sure he had a single dangerous shot to deal with but did look tidy playing it out.
Elliot really impressed me, especially first half and I thought Old and McGarry linked up well. Ball looked a class above (beat his man handily and got a shot away, which was parried to McGarry for the first goal) and Lewis and Rufer controlled the game with relative ease. Waine took his penalty nicely and had some good hold-up play.
Only saw 2 subs made, Jackson Manuel came on as a 6 and (i think) Adam Supyk as a left back, both with about 5 minutes to go.
On a more concerning note I saw Fenton in a serious looking knee brace and overheard Waine talking about someone doing an MCL - not a great start for Louis!
3-0 was probably a fair result on the balance of chances, Paulsen wasn't forced into many saves at all, but the Nix had plenty of chances and Kees Sims in goal really impressed me for Wests, despite conceding 3.
Mogg and Laws were generally solid, although Mogg was a little awkward as a leftfooted CB playing on the right hand side. They made it work with Rufer dropping deep and used the fullbacks well. Hard to assess the fullbacks defensively as there wasn't a ton to do, but neither did much wrong. Both were very attacking throughout and both threatened at time, McGarry getting inside the 6 yard box for a tap in in the 90th minute was good to see.
Lewis was tidy on the ball, Rufer was slightly wasteful but played a pinpoint throughball for Sotirios goal. Old and Ball looked dangerous, Old especially got in between the lines and turned towards goal. Took his goal well, it may have been tapped in by Waine at the back post, or even an OG though, not 100% sure who got credited.
Sotirio did Sotirio things, a quality one touch finish but could've had more but for poor finishing and was fast. Waine is strong, held the ball up well and could've had a couple. Ott didn't do much in his short time on the pitch.
I also stayed for half of an intersquad match afterwards. Some talented young players coming through the ranks.
So you’re telling me Sotirio will continue to frustrate us and be praised at the same time this season also?
Nelfoos
3-0 was probably a fair result on the balance of chances, Paulsen wasn't forced into many saves at all, but the Nix had plenty of chances and Kees Sims in goal really impressed me for Wests, despite conceding 3.
Mogg and Laws were generally solid, although Mogg was a little awkward as a leftfooted CB playing on the right hand side. They made it work with Rufer dropping deep and used the fullbacks well. Hard to assess the fullbacks defensively as there wasn't a ton to do, but neither did much wrong. Both were very attacking throughout and both threatened at time, McGarry getting inside the 6 yard box for a tap in in the 90th minute was good to see.
Lewis was tidy on the ball, Rufer was slightly wasteful but played a pinpoint throughball for Sotirios goal. Old and Ball looked dangerous, Old especially got in between the lines and turned towards goal. Took his goal well, it may have been tapped in by Waine at the back post, or even an OG though, not 100% sure who got credited.
Sotirio did Sotirio things, a quality one touch finish but could've had more but for poor finishing and was fast. Waine is strong, held the ball up well and could've had a couple. Ott didn't do much in his short time on the pitch.
I also stayed for half of an intersquad match afterwards. Some talented young players coming through the ranks.
3-0 was probably a fair result on the balance of chances, Paulsen wasn't forced into many saves at all, but the Nix had plenty of chances and Kees Sims in goal really impressed me for Wests, despite conceding 3.
Mogg and Laws were generally solid, although Mogg was a little awkward as a leftfooted CB playing on the right hand side. They made it work with Rufer dropping deep and used the fullbacks well. Hard to assess the fullbacks defensively as there wasn't a ton to do, but neither did much wrong. Both were very attacking throughout and both threatened at time, McGarry getting inside the 6 yard box for a tap in in the 90th minute was good to see.
Lewis was tidy on the ball, Rufer was slightly wasteful but played a pinpoint throughball for Sotirios goal. Old and Ball looked dangerous, Old especially got in between the lines and turned towards goal. Took his goal well, it may have been tapped in by Waine at the back post, or even an OG though, not 100% sure who got credited.
Sotirio did Sotirio things, a quality one touch finish but could've had more but for poor finishing and was fast. Waine is strong, held the ball up well and could've had a couple. Ott didn't do much in his short time on the pitch.
I also stayed for half of an intersquad match afterwards. Some talented young players coming through the ranks.
Playing CCM today according to Phillip Rollo twitter feeds.
Wellington Phoenix @aleaguemen go straight into a pre-season game against Central Coast Mariners tomorrow. They will also play Sydney FC in Western Sydney Wanderers before the season starts.
A rotated starting XI that contains SIX academy graduates and THREE boys who played their junior football on the Coast! The Nick Montgomery way XI: Sozer, Bayliss, Hall, Rowles, Smith, Bozanic, Balard, Nisbet, Hatch, Tsekenis, Urena.
We are playing against WSW today. Should get an idea of where we stand with quality A-league teams.
Chance for Piscopo, Pennington and Bozinvoski to get some game time. And hope Hopper is ready to get some minutes to start easing him in after his injury.
Apparently, at least in the first half, WSW bossed us, no one has said how the second went.
Would be good to know if Hooper made it on the pitch. Anyway, good results in pre-season for such an underdone team, has to build some confidence in the younger players.
Apparently, at least in the first half, WSW bossed us, no one has said how the second went.
Would be good to know if Hooper made it on the pitch. Anyway, good results in pre-season for such an underdone team, has to build some confidence in the younger players.
Definitely a big confidence booster given that WSW are a very quality squad this season.
Gotta take that. Even if it is only a pre-season hit out. That's a big confidence booster, especially for those younger players too.
We may not have the depth and quality of some of the other squads going around, but one thing we've got for certain - Uffie will get the absolute most out of what we have.
Good result lads. Looking forward to the season kicking off. 🟡⚫
Wellington Phoenix men will kickoff their FFA Cup campaign against the winner of Western United and Newcastle Jets on December 7. Venue and kickoff time TBC.
