PS v TeeDubs #WelClasico | 14:00 6th October | Ring of Fire

Was fine. Can't read much into these games.

Though we were pretty slow in transition and am still unsure about our new imports; hard to say until the real thing starts. 

There should be angsting. Regardless of what they were trying to achieve in this game, only winning 3-0 against a second string selection side is useless. I will happily put my stake in the ground and say now we will be in the bottom 4. Happy to be called out on this later in the season. 

We were in exactly the same situation last year and it turned out great. Relax

We ended up in the bottom 4, that what he said.

Left a halftime which seems smart move.  I thought Steinman Devere, Cacace and Ball played well.  Ball showed good retention skill, strength and flair with bicycle kick.  looked like he was always looking for someone else which may mean we need to sign an actual striker.

Too much sideways passing in front third so if that was plan they did it well.

Slightly optimistic of 6th place.

Yays

and Rufer scored...woohoo!

Not sure if we can expect anything except a transition year; just want to have a solid base, with the kiwi kids getting a lot of minutes; then really push on the season after. If our future is confirmed, this is something we can actually do now - plan for the future.

Bloody hell a couple of you are sad sacks.Its nearly been a complete rebuild with a new coach yet you seem to think they should be up and running and showing finals form a month out from the A League kick off.FFS sit down take a chill pill and give us your doom and gloom predictions after the real stuff starts.

team needs that other import striker.  Can't see the team going far if players such as devlin or sautirio are starting 11

I'm so happy there was a live stream so I could see just how terrible we were. Ball cant score for the life of himself and should be release as we really don't need dead wood at the club. Hope Waine keeps pushing for 1st team place he did ok with what was around him.

ball was bobbling a bit

Great day out really enjoyed it. Cant read anything into the team really at this stage but Im getting pumped for the season. 

I love a good parody account.

no need to angst, 1st half looked very organised, second half got a bit disjointed with subs coming on. Thought Rufer looked good, his shot was brilliant, although he looked as shocked and surprised by it going in as we all were. Taylor seems to be controlling everything from the back, which is great, just concerning if he gets injured. Marinovic and Sail barely said anything form what I could tell. I thought Waine played really well, he has the Krishna turn of pace and confidence to get forward, he scores the ugly goals too which is what we need. I agree with Ball needing a shooter to play alongside him, he needs to pull the trigger sooner, got himself into some really good spots yet was looking for the pass instead of the shot.

Are we talking the round thing with air in it here, or the import striker?

Are we counting down to the finals' run already?

bang on. Hate this theory that teams need to be challenging for the title every single season without fail, and if they’re not they’re unambitious. Nothing wrong with a transition year. Chelsea’s going through this phase right now, hell it’s a commonly used tactic for most of the NBA each year. Calm down lads this is a long term thing and everything Uffie’s done reflects that

To be fair, it's been a while since we challenged for the title.  We still finished bottom half last year even if we did have some great moments during the season.

to be even fairer name one of those seasons that we've not been replacing over half the team, or a coach? We've had a run of seasons where there has been major overhauls. Last season promised so much and then fizzled thanks to Rudan. This year we hopefully have a solid rebuild with a potential long term future.

Holy shark, you guys, if we don't end up out of the league at the end of this season I'll still be happy. I'm paranoid enough to worry that in some way the "temporary licence" will still be pulled on us by the FFA or the other clubs will throw us under the bus for $$$ by a combination of new Aussie clubs and pay TV.

Disclosure: I'm a fan of clubs like AFC Wimbledon and Hellas Verona who are always in danger of relegation so I've gotten used to low expectations

Any more friendly's in NZ before heading over for the Sydney games?. 

Ball (the import) displayed really skilful close control and poise on the ball.  His agility for the overhead kick was hugely impressive. When he was subbed the movement into space up front was lacking. It would have been good to see how Ball and Davila linked up, rather than play separately. 

When's the home and garden show?

Didn't see the stream... what was Davila like when he came on?

I can assure you I wouldn't have been a season ticket holder for 10 years if that's what was dished up!

Nah, you can keep your pre-season kickabout nonsense, they have lost me on that one.

Lost the ball a bit but raw talent was there

Still available on the Phoenix FB page

Hard to really tell, honestly. Didn't impress but wasn't on for that long.

It's almost like pre-season games are used for preparation or something

I can see this gag being used regularly this season...

Rollo reported that the team leave for Sydney this Friday so unlikely.

Talay said they're looking into a preseason game at the stadium so that'll be at the end of the month if it happens.

So, when are the Sydney games?

Wellington Phoenix will play two behind closed doors matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC during a two-week camp in Sydney in September. Team departs on the 6th.

— Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) August 29, 2019

Two weeks would put them back in time for the Home & Garden show if they wanna do that again.