Wellington Phoenix Men

R14 vs Melbourne Victory | Sun 20 Jan | 7pm | SS3

382 replies · 34,868 views
about 7 years ago

So I ask again, what do we offer the A League? We just fought a hard earned scored draw against a very top team whom had their Winger/striker playing a blinder. That's what we offer and if it is not good enough for the FFA or whoever, then they need their head read.

two dropped points but the Nix of old would have folded like a wet bus ticket. This side kept going.

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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about 7 years ago

So stats from tonight

Nix best away undefeated record is five games from 1-May-15 to 18-Oct-15 (across seasons) with WWWDW. We have equalled that tonight with the draw. WDDWD

With that penalty Krishna goes equal top penalty scorer for the Nix with Paul Ifill and Shane Smeltz on seven. Krishna best season for Phoenix was 12 goals in 2016/17. He is now on 11 this season! He has now score a brace six times with four of them coming this season, first A-League player to score a brace in three games in a row.

For your obscure stat. Highest scoring Fijians in Australian national league:

43 Roy Krishna (Wellington 2014–)

43 Esala Masi (Morwell, Wollongong, Newcastle 1996-2004)

1 Keni Kawaleva (Canberra City 1977)

I'm an optimistic pessimist. 
I'm positive things will go wrong.
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about 7 years ago

Outpost wrote:

Disappointed but wow what fantastic entertainment.

wow..... these 2 teams sure know how to put out a great game compared to yesterday. Commentator rightly calls it cant wait for the 3rd one in Auckland.
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about 7 years ago

maynardf wrote:

1 half against mariners and second half this week - very poor

I think that's a bit unfair. MV were a different team 2nd half and their 2nd goal was just brilliant. We had our chances to kill the game too - if that late Roy chance had gone in we'd all be basking in the glory of a win.

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about 7 years ago

Over the 90 min we should be happy with the draw. In the first half we were all over MV and I have to say that their performance was one of the worst I have seen since the league started. Pity we did nor continue after half time but Muscat must have said something at half time as they were a different team. Doyle will have nightmares about this game. Never seen him dominated like that.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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about 7 years ago

Talk about a game of two halves.

I would like to have seen us push for a 4th right from the start of the second half rather than drop off like we did. Disappointed not to get the win BUT i was hoping to get 5 points from that game and the next two combined. Fair thinking being that we're playing the top three teams in a row.

Not much of an impact from the Sheriff this time but put that down to the fact we werent playing well at all in the second. Still a draw away like this is a good result and the unbeaten run continues.

I loved the physicality in the game and thought the ref was pretty fair throughout.

Really enjoyed listening to the crowd at "Amy" park too.

See you all on Wednesday, midweek games in the A League are really stupid but it is what it is. Dont let it stop you from getting down to the game. Demand to finish early, swap times with a coworker, call in sick to work, put off that important document thats due at 9am Thursday morning, get the grottiest bus or uber you can, get there!!

Come on Phoenix!

Chelsea FC - Glasgow Rangers - Wellington Phoenix - Canterbury Dragons

Aspiring football coach:

Nomads United u14B 2016

Watch this space. 

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about 7 years ago

never saw Kosta play like that for the nix

But a point on the road against the victory you have to take 


Auckland will rise once more

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about 7 years ago

well shark. There was blood in the water and we let them swim to safety. 

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about 7 years ago

Terrific game. MV had to put on their playoffs intensity to get back into it.  I reckon Rudan will use this to point out to the guys how much we Let them get back into it. Too much long ball from deep instead of keeping up the positive play for my liking. But credit to MV also. They created the pressure. 

But a great effort, good result and obvious work to do. 

Hope the legs are still there for Wednesday. 

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about 7 years ago

Still pissed off about the situation towards the end of the 1st half, where we were 3 on 2.

Williams had two players to pass it to. Instead he went for glory.

Could have been 4-1 and game over.

But would have taken a draw before the game and we're undefeated in 9 games now. Strange feeling though. Rather gutted.

Denmark: OB Odense  |  England: Charlton Athletic  |  A-League: Wellington Phoenix  |  VPL: Richmond SC  |  AFL: St Kilda  |  NRL: NZ Warriors

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about 7 years ago

Doloras wrote:

Lachyloolaa wrote:

Feels like a loss now.

It really does, even though - I'm pleasantly surprised - it wasn't one. As predicted, the T*rds put us under pressure and we partly psychologically collapsed. We're a mediocre team until Rudan can do something with that (can he?)

How can you call a team that draws with the A League leaders, mediocre?
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about 7 years ago

Better than last years Nix so good viewing.

A small town in Europe........looking to bounce straight back up....well that aint going to happen

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about 7 years ago

Third time in our streak that we've let go of a second half lead to only draw. Imagine where we'd be sitting if had hung on to those! In saying that, we've got some wins when not looking likely as well.

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about 7 years ago

How can you call a team that draws with the A League leaders, mediocre?

Check where we are on the ladder.

About the middle, right?

That's what "mediocre" means. I know that Kiwis often use it as a euphemism for "sharkhouse", but I'm using it in its real sense.

Average. So-so. Not a bad team, but without the quality to press home an advantage against the big lads.


Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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about 7 years ago

FFS sake think im lost i was looking for that forum for those guys called the Phoenix where if they had let a game like that slip there would be blood on the boards. Dont get me wrong top result but lets not kid ourselves we let them off the hook.


GET YOUR SHIRTS OFF FOR THE BOYS

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about 7 years ago

Great game Phoenix. MV were always going to go to playoffs mode after halftime, and agree recent Nix outfits would have collapsed completely.  Bit of a learning curve there for what maybe to come if our run continues. 

Hope the legs are OK for Wed night. Only other worry is sorting out our left side, though Kosta was on fire. 
  

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about 7 years ago

As long as Rudes uses it as a teacher. It would be nice to be bagging these games in the bank and getting a second chance but Victory won it last season from a mile behind Sydney.

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about 7 years ago

Doloras wrote:

How can you call a team that draws with the A League leaders, mediocre?

Check where we are on the ladder.

About the middle, right?

That's what "mediocre" means. I know that Kiwis often use it as a euphemism for "sharkhouse", but I'm using it in its real sense.

Average. So-so. Not a bad team, but without the quality to press home an advantage against the big lads.

Jeepers Doloras, you really have turned into a grump.

The actual record is 6 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses. We have been unbeaten for 8 games. The table is a little misleading in that there are clearly 6 good teams in the league and 4 strugglers - mediocre is halfway between Adelaide (a good team) and Newcastle (having a jobbies season).

What's more, we are actually playing a lot of quality football and providing great entertainment (notwithstanding there is still work to do).

I'm just loving this season (and feel confident that things will actually get better).

COYN

I know, I know, its serious!

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about 7 years ago

Massive massive effort by us away from home. Definitely in the mix for fourth spot and a home playoff game at this stage.

Gonna be a big two home games especially against City next weekend. Can see Sheridan and Kopa getting a start and Burgess some more game time as fatigue is going to be an issue this week. Let hope its the same for our opposition.

I'll take the draw tonight away against the current champions. Still alot of games to go, and like how free scoring we are (albiet in the first half only in this game)

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about 7 years ago

What a shame that Fox's bad touch let Kosta score the equaliser. Maybe Doyle shouldve stayed on i doubt he would have let it bounce off him like that.

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

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about 7 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

We should be proud of this team. Just went toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in the league in their back yard!

Unbeaten in 9 and Krishna scoring for fun. What's not to like?

Oh, and SACK RUDAN!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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about 7 years ago

Doloras wrote:

How can you call a team that draws with the A League leaders, mediocre?

Check where we are on the ladder.

About the middle, right?

That's what "mediocre" means. I know that Kiwis often use it as a euphemism for "sharkhouse", but I'm using it in its real sense.

Average. So-so. Not a bad team, but without the quality to press home an advantage against the big lads.

fair call which could also be said for Melb City us and adelaide. In previous seasons  Perth would be in there but not us. The league consistently shows MVC and Sydney as the "best". So a season unbeaten by those 2 plus the rogue one Perth
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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

Doloras wrote:

How can you call a team that draws with the A League leaders, mediocre?

Check where we are on the ladder.

About the middle, right?

That's what "mediocre" means. I know that Kiwis often use it as a euphemism for "sharkhouse", but I'm using it in its real sense.

Average. So-so. Not a bad team, but without the quality to press home an advantage against the big lads.

This is just a terrible take. There is no gap between us and the top sides, we had a bad start which means we are catching up but we're clearly as good as anyone. Who is clearly better than us? 

Normo's coming home

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about 7 years ago

People had better turn up for the best of 3 match in Auckland.

Seriously with our form alone they deserve a good crowd.  But two rough away draws in Melbourne in quick succession and the final to be played at "home"/neutral grounds.  That's a match I wish I could travel for.

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about 7 years ago

Losing Willliams early in the 2nd half felt like it killed our momentum. Kosta & Troisi showing their class, absolutely brilliant by Victory. Great first half by us, just couldn't quite put it to bed. Onwards and upwards, can't wait for Weds night at the ROF

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about 7 years ago

BTW, No cards for Fenton, Singh and Dura a real positive.

Full squad to choose from for Wed (unless there were injuries).

I know, I know, its serious!

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about 7 years ago

james dean wrote:

[quote]
This is just a terrible take. There is no gap between us and the top sides, we had a bad start which means we are catching up but we're clearly as good as anyone. Who is clearly better than us? 

Based on the second half today, Melbourne Victory.

I think based on 2nd half today - and 1st half against the Salties - there is little to no chance of staying unbeaten against Smurfs and Citeh. We are dreadfully inconsistent, between two halves of the same game even, and I don't think anything more than a 4th place finish is likely.

That is mediocrity. It won't get the crowds along, or give us hope of a license renewal. I just don't see Rudan being able to extend his admirable work improving our tactics, our fitness and our teamwork into the PSYCHOLOGICAL issues that have plagued us for the last 10 years - this season, anyway.


Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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about 7 years ago

Doloras wrote:

james dean wrote:

[quote]
This is just a terrible take. There is no gap between us and the top sides, we had a bad start which means we are catching up but we're clearly as good as anyone. Who is clearly better than us? 

Based on the second half today, Melbourne Victory.

I think based on 2nd half today - and 1st half against the Salties - there is little to no chance of staying unbeaten against Smurfs and Citeh. We are dreadfully inconsistent, between two halves of the same game even, and I don't think anything more than a 4th place finish is likely.

That is mediocrity. It won't get the crowds along, or give us hope of a license renewal. I just don't see Rudan being able to extend his admirable work improving our tactics, our fitness and our teamwork into the PSYCHOLOGICAL issues that have plagued us for the last 10 years - this season, anyway.

Wow. I'm speechless @Doloras. 

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about 7 years ago

Doloras wrote:

james dean wrote:

[quote]
This is just a terrible take. There is no gap between us and the top sides, we had a bad start which means we are catching up but we're clearly as good as anyone. Who is clearly better than us? 

Based on the second half today, Melbourne Victory.

I think based on 2nd half today - and 1st half against the Salties - there is little to no chance of staying unbeaten against Smurfs and Citeh. We are dreadfully inconsistent, between two halves of the same game even, and I don't think anything more than a 4th place finish is likely.

That is mediocrity. It won't get the crowds along, or give us hope of a license renewal. I just don't see Rudan being able to extend his admirable work improving our tactics, our fitness and our teamwork into the PSYCHOLOGICAL issues that have plagued us for the last 10 years - this season, anyway.

Umm what? Didn't we get 10 000 at Westpac last weekend for the first time in 2 and a half years? Genuinely dont know where all your negativity is coming from, wow. This is the best we've looked in years.

And you say based on the second half today... what about the first? 

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about 7 years ago

JC wrote:

Doloras wrote:

james dean wrote:

[quote]
This is just a terrible take. There is no gap between us and the top sides, we had a bad start which means we are catching up but we're clearly as good as anyone. Who is clearly better than us? 

Based on the second half today, Melbourne Victory.

I think based on 2nd half today - and 1st half against the Salties - there is little to no chance of staying unbeaten against Smurfs and Citeh. We are dreadfully inconsistent, between two halves of the same game even, and I don't think anything more than a 4th place finish is likely.

That is mediocrity. It won't get the crowds along, or give us hope of a license renewal. I just don't see Rudan being able to extend his admirable work improving our tactics, our fitness and our teamwork into the PSYCHOLOGICAL issues that have plagued us for the last 10 years - this season, anyway.

Wow. I'm speechless @Doloras (almost!).

This is a tight, very competitive and tactical league, particularly the top 6 this year. 

There is nothing, simply nothing mediocre about the Nix this year. 

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about 7 years ago

I don't know whether you gentlemen noticed, but we squandered a 2 goal lead, only held on for a draw by the skin of our teeth, WITH our best midfield combo back.


Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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about 7 years ago

Also, you think 10 thousand will cut it with the FFA? I wish I shared your optimism.

To quote from the classics, "I don't know why you gotta be so undemanding. I want more."


Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads



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about 7 years ago · edited about 7 years ago · History

Just a reminder to play the ball, not the (wo)man. 

Would’ve taken a draw away from home against the 2nd best team in the league at the start of the game. But a definite opportunity missed after being 3-1 up. 

Definitely would not say we are mediocre after getting such a result and going 9 games undefeated. 


Allegedly

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about 7 years ago

Our second half here was nowhere near as bad as the first half vs Mariners. I don't think they can be lumped together as the same thing.

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about 7 years ago

A quick word of praise for players who have suffered a bit of criticism over recent years - Fenton & Rufer.

Louis really seems to have found his mojo this year - to hear Oz commentators describe him as a standout (1st half) is so heartening. He is developing well - and mixing it up a lot better in terms of options taking.

And I thought Rufer played  with a lot of composure today (may have fluffed his lines slightly for the first goal - but not his fault) - he really does seem increasingly comfortable, and assured, in his role.

Well done the home growns.

I know, I know, its serious!

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about 7 years ago

I don't think our second half was that bad, it just that MV played much better.

We actually created many chances in the 2nd half (unless 1st half vs Mariners we were hopeless), if Krishna scored in the 87th min, then there probably won't be a goal from Kosta in the 88th.

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about 7 years ago

Victory successfully changed their tactical approach for 2nd half. Good teams do that. 

We could of held on or even nicked a breakaway winner in 2nd half. So, sure, this is still a work in progress, and I want/demand more, but mediocre is not how I would characterise this or any other recent performances. 

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about 7 years ago

aaaanyway, I think we did look vulnerable agains a genuine 4-3-3 with two quality wide men. With our two fullbacks pinned back defending we struggled in an attacking sense, it would have been good have been good to have the option to go to a 4 man defence.

Singh had a pretty poor game, he's not in great form at the moment. Williams was great and we did lose something when he went off.  We couldn't get Roy the ball at all in the second

Normo's coming home

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