WPM R3 vs Auckland FC | Sat 2nd Nov | 5pm | RoF / Sky Sports 2 | March 4pm

coochiee

Rufer had a fantastic game in Perth, and from memory played a few delightful longer balls in that game. He likely didn't train all week in the leadup to the derby, with his swollen knee. You prepare poorly or can't prepare as in this case, you just don't play as well as you could. You can't judge Rufs much on this game.

Looking forward to him & Retre operating in tandem with Rojas in front of them. Fingers crossed it happens soon.

 
Fair enough. This is the first game of this season that I've seen. Just recovering from heart surgery. 

pickledmyself

martinb

Feverish

martinb

Feverish

Gotta say. What a bunch of ballbags the Port are

Anything in particular?

 
Not really just the vibe of all of them and trying to give it some to teens in the next bay

 
Probably do them good to visit a real football town. 

My take is it’s the same culture top to bottom
Mowbrays-> McFlynn (and Becker?) -> Corica-> the Port. Combative and/or entitled folk who it would be fair to say are not popular across the board. The fun banter club! Nose tweakers! But all the fouls were coming from Sydney F.C.?

I want us to crush them. Clone Rufer and play him up front too. I want 4-0. Own goals is still their top scorer yeh?

Still I noticed that Gallegos talks to himself just as angrily as he talks to everyone else, so while I think he should have several cards to his name, at least he’s consistent. 

You don't think Wellington is a real football town?

The opposite. Was saying it’d probably do the Port good to see how the crowd in Wellington was and have a drink on tour and get over themselves a bit. 

After 17 years as a Nix fan you get used to the ups and downs. Quite a few downs tbh. Why this loss bugs me though is because it was against Auckland…..enough  said. But I especially feel gutted because in front of a record 26,000 crowd, we blew it. Not even one goal to cheer about. A few near misses and a few counter attacks but no sustained action to get the crowd right in behind the team.
I guess the only happy people in Wellington this morning will be the Nix financial people because they just got a huge $$$$ windfall from the gate takings.

Someone above mentioned a lack of inventiveness from the Nix and this is something I’ve thought about a lot lately - often we aren’t that attractive a football team to watch. I would expect that Kiwis from parts of the country without a team will be more likely to follow Auckland because they are nicer to watch (at least so far).

So did the ultras from the Port cause any trouble or was the Dome star, security immense?

AucklandPhoenix

So did the ultras from the Port cause any trouble or was the Dome star, security immense?

They set blue flares off on the concourse and red badge were straight at them. Then threw bottles at our mascot like wtf?

Ok. So tonight’s TV1 Nitwit news will lead with « football hooligans endanger life of mascot. I thought I was going to die said man dressed as a chicken »

austin111

After 17 years as a Nix fan you get used to the ups and downs. Quite a few downs tbh. Why this loss bugs me though is because it was against Auckland…..enough  said. But I especially feel gutted because in front of a record 26,000 crowd, we blew it. Not even one goal to cheer about. A few near misses and a few counter attacks but no sustained action to get the crowd right in behind the team.
I guess the only happy people in Wellington this morning will be the Nix financial people because they just got a huge $$$$ windfall from the gate takings.

Just for those interested in numbers, I bought my ticket when gates opened at 3.30, pax 20,868. So another 5000 + sold in the following 90 mins.

Morning after and it certainly dosnt feel any better, since game one 17 years ago for me personally that is our hardest to loss to take excluding finals. What is it about the Phoenix that they cant deliver on those big occasion games during a season it happens time after time and its FKN annoying.
Love Chief and he is a great talker  but its time we started seeing the team deliver what he keeps promising. Yes its early in the season but that excuse can only last for so long. These guys are supposedly intelligent footballers so  if they are in any way capable they need to start delivering on all Chiefs talk and sooner rather than later.
Josh dosnt look comfortable at all playing out from the back not in the way that Paulsen did and FK knows what he was thinking about that pass.
As for Paulsen dont care if he was booed and jeered during the game his display after both goals makes some of what he has said since leaving BS. Wouldnt mind betting if it hadnt been for those displays he would have got a big cheer and applause after the game but  no way was i doing that. Unlike other ex Nix players wont show much interest in where he goes from know.

Yep you bet bitter and i dont give a shark that was one game the guys  will never get over losing and if the team is to do one thing this year its to redeem themselves in the return Derbys.

I enjoyed the game despite the result.

Great to see some strong challenges allowed to happen by the ref who I thought had a good game for a change.

Looked like a 0 - 0 was on the cards. Poor mistake from the goalie, but it happens, even in the PL.

Excited for the return game in a month and getting revenge!

I can't believe no club in Europe tried to sign Rufer last year... he's too good for the  A League.

From our most 'targeted player' who wasn't as good as Ridenton to the man we have now.

AucklandPhoenix

So did the ultras from the Port cause any trouble or was the Dome star, security immense?

Havnt heard of any major problems but think its safe to say they put on the worst display we have seen from travelling fans in 17 years. Not sure why they had to launch so much shark onto the field in front of them looked like a tip apparently even showering their own players.
Had a couple of drunken guys when i was leaving on my own carrying the drum say come lets grab their drum until i turned around and told them to FK off and they decided yeah na.
Otherwise had a great chat with some guys at the Featherston  with plenty of good natured banter thrown by both sides all taken in the good humour it was intended. does seem like the Port dosnt want to engage in that sort of fandom.

Jessie Merino

austin111

After 17 years as a Nix fan you get used to the ups and downs. Quite a few downs tbh. Why this loss bugs me though is because it was against Auckland…..enough  said. But I especially feel gutted because in front of a record 26,000 crowd, we blew it. Not even one goal to cheer about. A few near misses and a few counter attacks but no sustained action to get the crowd right in behind the team.
I guess the only happy people in Wellington this morning will be the Nix financial people because they just got a huge $$$$ windfall from the gate takings.

Just for those interested in numbers, I bought my ticket when gates opened at 3.30, pax 20,868. So another near 4000 sold in the following 90 mins.

I think the members get added to the final tally, so that’s most of the 4000

The wife and I were in the middle of the Fever Zone, there was a couple of drunken idiots right behind us, one guy fell over umpteen times which is all good fun, but near the end him and the guy next to him were talking about smashing some Port C*unts on the way out. It seemed the fun vibe changed a bit once the goal(s) went in and had a slightly nasty undertone to it.

ballane

Morning after and it certainly dosnt feel any better, since game one 17 years ago for me personally that is our hardest to loss to take excluding finals. What is it about the Phoenix that they cant deliver on those big occasion games during a season it happens time after time and its FKN annoying.
Love Chief and he is a great talker  but its time we started seeing the team deliver what he keeps promising. Yes its early in the season but that excuse can only last for so long. These guys are supposedly intelligent footballers so  if they are in any way capable they need to start delivering on all Chiefs talk and sooner rather than later.
Josh dosnt look comfortable at all playing out from the back not in the way that Paulsen did and FK knows what he was thinking about that pass.
As for Paulsen dont care if he was booed and jeered during the game his display after both goals makes some of what he has said since leaving BS. Wouldnt mind betting if it hadnt been for those displays he would have got a big cheer and applause after the game but  no way was i doing that. Unlike other ex Nix players wont show much interest in where he goes from know.

Yep you bet bitter and i dont give a shark that was one game the guys  will never get over losing and if the team is to do one thing this year its to redeem themselves in the return Derbys.

Chief delivered a 2nd on the table and a home semi last year.

Really hope Rojas really is the key to our attack because right now we don't feel very dangerous on attack.

On a side note, I've always rolled my eyes when people say this rivalry is manufactured and I feel like yesterday proved why. Sure, the Nix vs AFC might be new but Auckland vs Wellington is by no means a new rivalry. Rugby has kept the beef alive for literal decades and this isn't even new in football, Auckland City was beefing with team Wellington and now Wellington Olympic since the early 2000s. It's like with East and West Sydney, we don't need old clubs because Auckland vs Wellington has existed for ages.

Maaaaaaatt

ballane

Morning after and it certainly dosnt feel any better, since game one 17 years ago for me personally that is our hardest to loss to take excluding finals. What is it about the Phoenix that they cant deliver on those big occasion games during a season it happens time after time and its FKN annoying.
Love Chief and he is a great talker  but its time we started seeing the team deliver what he keeps promising. Yes its early in the season but that excuse can only last for so long. These guys are supposedly intelligent footballers so  if they are in any way capable they need to start delivering on all Chiefs talk and sooner rather than later.
Josh dosnt look comfortable at all playing out from the back not in the way that Paulsen did and FK knows what he was thinking about that pass.
As for Paulsen dont care if he was booed and jeered during the game his display after both goals makes some of what he has said since leaving BS. Wouldnt mind betting if it hadnt been for those displays he would have got a big cheer and applause after the game but  no way was i doing that. Unlike other ex Nix players wont show much interest in where he goes from know.

Yep you bet bitter and i dont give a shark that was one game the guys  will never get over losing and if the team is to do one thing this year its to redeem themselves in the return Derbys.

Chief delivered a 2nd on the table and a home semi last year.

Did i say anything about that im talking about big games at the stadium such as Waitangi Day a boring draw or any number of games where the team has been away for an extended time come back home get a good crowd only not to perform. Despite what you say it has happened time and again. Yes we have got to finals what im saying is it would be great to turn a few more of these bigger games into a decent result.

Sheesh. Two home games missed for special friend and family events and we've delivered 
* a 7-0 win
* a record home normal season 26k crowd

I'm doing my best self sacrifice effort chaps, but not quite at the big win AND big crowd level yet! 

COYN
it's coming.

Dougie Rydal

The wife and I were in the middle of the Fever Zone, there was a couple of drunken idiots right behind us, one guy fell over umpteen times which is all good fun, but near the end him and the guy next to him were talking about smashing some Port C*unts on the way out. It seemed the fun vibe changed a bit once the goal(s) went in and had a slightly nasty undertone to it.

Yep we arnt immune to idots those sorts arnt wanted.

Noah4thenix

Really hope Rojas really is the key to our attack because right now we don't feel very dangerous on attack.

On a side note, I've always rolled my eyes when people say this rivalry is manufactured and I feel like yesterday proved why. Sure, the Nix vs AFC might be new but Auckland vs Wellington is by no means a new rivalry. Rugby has kept the beef alive for literal decades and this isn't even new in football, Auckland City was beefing with team Wellington and now Wellington Olympic since the early 2000s. It's like with East and West Sydney, we don't need old clubs because Auckland vs Wellington has existed for ages.

As a born and bred Wellingtonian shark yes this.

ballane

Dougie Rydal

The wife and I were in the middle of the Fever Zone, there was a couple of drunken idiots right behind us, one guy fell over umpteen times which is all good fun, but near the end him and the guy next to him were talking about smashing some Port C*unts on the way out. It seemed the fun vibe changed a bit once the goal(s) went in and had a slightly nasty undertone to it.

Yep we arnt immune to idots those sorts arnt wanted.

Every club will have idiots who support them though. That's why it is silly to try and point score over it.

Kept away until I'd calmed myself from yesterday's shambolic display. I had high hopes but they were slowly wittled away within the first 45. We looked comfortable on the ball, but playing out from goal we looked very much under pressure thanks to AFC's exceptionally high press which they stuck too for most of the game. They dod not look like scoring in the first half, and only really managed to get the first through our mistake at the back - sur eit was caused due to their press. The second came from another error in the midfield and a defensive lapse leaving Brimmer wide open. 

I dont think we deserved to win, they were better on the day. There were definately factors that favoured them, their build up has ben in NZ for 3 weeks - what new team gets their first two games at home (the neix never have, I dont think). Nix had the worst possible travel back from Perth. Not an excuse just comparitively different and you can understand maybe the lack of fizz from our boys late in the game. 
I loved that Rufer managed to be fit in time! He and Conchie look great together. Sheridan did well again, as did Hughes. AFC kept Nagasawa and Ishiige relatively quiet with some very physical stuff - as did we with Sakai.

 Colokovski added nothing when he came on, he looked disinterested and really not up to speed, OVH would have been better or Al Taay, Rojas really didnt have time to do much, although he should have one a penalty with his first foray into the box.

Surprised at Chiefs tactics, only three subs used, stuck with the short goal kicks and playing out from the box which lead to the first goal. 

We need to be better, I just hope that the 26k Nix fans come back to support the team!

.

Think the subs were a crucial between the two teams. 

AFCs allowed them to keep their press intensity high which obviously was the cause of the first goal. The second goal was down to two subs and it was clear the Japanese midfielder was rightfully shagged trying to keep up with a fresh player.

Obviously AFC have not had any injuries to speak off but I think their squad depth will serve them well this season

Next day after the match does not feel any better.  Just absolutely gutted.  Dropping 5 points at home sucks, we really need to get our fortress back.  

Hoping we can get something out of the next game but will not get my hopes up. 

ballane

AucklandPhoenix

So did the ultras from the Port cause any trouble or was the Dome star, security immense?

Havnt heard of any major problems but think its safe to say they put on the worst display we have seen from travelling fans in 17 years. Not sure why they had to launch so much shark onto the field in front of them looked like a tip apparently even showering their own players.
Had a couple of drunken guys when i was leaving on my own carrying the drum say come lets grab their drum until i turned around and told them to FK off and they decided yeah na.
Otherwise had a great chat with some guys at the Featherston  with plenty of good natured banter thrown by both sides all taken in the good humour it was intended. does seem like the Port dosnt want to engage in that sort of fandom.

What do you mean “the worst display we have seen from travelling fans in 17 years”?

I thought they were bloody impressive, contributed to an awesome atmosphere. Good on them. Hope they continue to travel in numbers
The nix fans down that end of the field were loving it, especially the kids some watching them just as much as watching the game and giving it back. 

I'm still not convinced by our keeper, he's not dominant at all,  prefering to stay on his line whether it's a corner, cross or through ball. That seems his default.
I don't blame him for the error, if we play football like that you're asking for perfection, and that's not going to happen.
Almost all keepers are good shot stoppers, they don't make it this far without having that attribute, but the good ones dominant their box, bark at defenders, and exude confidence.
I am surprised he's been offered an extension seemingly based on being fit at training.

Yeh @prof Chief chose Colakovski over Ball. 

We had no experience and determination on the bench. It’s all very well saying this team will be ready in week x. His job is to win the derby in front of 26,000 people. 

He’s decided that he doesn’t want or need Ball because he’s got Colakovski, Piper and Walker. And they brought on Moreno and Brimmer. That Chief is a genius thing needs scrutiny. Rufer can’t replace Old and Kraev. He tried, but it’s not his job. This keeper is Chief’s pick too- did he do proper due diligence? 

I’m prepared to give him more time, but he got done like a dinner yesterday. He owes us some goals and wins. And a big derby win especially.

Wouldn't be a derby without the losing team fearing the sky is falling.

austin111

As a Nix fan I would have settled for a draw tbh. Apart from some excellent play from Rufer it was mainly AFC in the second half. Sure Isaghi missed an open goal but Auckland were controlling play. They started well in the first half but we managed to get into the game but just couldn’t score. The shots on target after an hour was 9 to AFC 3 to Nix which said it all.
Tactically it was an arm wrestle for most of the match. They pressed high and in numbers and we were struggling to pass through it.
I think in the end we were just underdone at this stage of the season. We desperately need to get our new signings fit and on the park. Absolutely gutted to lose in front of such a big crowd. Won’t go on about the keeper brain fart but how will he recover from that.

*Ishige.
Just a foul.

The sky isnt falling, but 3 weeks in we arent exactly setting the world on fire. Drawing against the Roar looked difficult and they are horrid, beating Perth was an absolute must and that didnt look easy. Losing to AFC just highlighted some areas we need to work on. Both on and off the field.

theprof

Kept away until I'd calmed myself from yesterday's shambolic display. I had high hopes but they were slowly wittled away within the first 45. We looked comfortable on the ball, but playing out from goal we looked very much under pressure thanks to AFC's exceptionally high press which they stuck too for most of the game. They dod not look like scoring in the first half, and only really managed to get the first through our mistake at the back - sur eit was caused due to their press. The second came from another error in the midfield and a defensive lapse leaving Brimmer wide open. 

I dont think we deserved to win, they were better on the day. There were definately factors that favoured them, their build up has ben in NZ for 3 weeks - what new team gets their first two games at home (the neix never have, I dont think). Nix had the worst possible travel back from Perth. Not an excuse just comparitively different and you can understand maybe the lack of fizz from our boys late in the game. 
I loved that Rufer managed to be fit in time! He and Conchie look great together. Sheridan did well again, as did Hughes. AFC kept Nagasawa and Ishiige relatively quiet with some very physical stuff - as did we with Sakai.

 Colokovski added nothing when he came on, he looked disinterested and really not up to speed, OVH would have been better or Al Taay, Rojas really didnt have time to do much, although he should have one a penalty with his first foray into the box.

Surprised at Chiefs tactics, only three subs used, stuck with the short goal kicks and playing out from the box which lead to the first goal. 

We need to be better, I just hope that the 26k Nix fans come back to support the team!

*Colakovski. Hard name, just a foul.

dammit!, I even look at the lineup for the spelling - sorry.

mykey

ballane

AucklandPhoenix

So did the ultras from the Port cause any trouble or was the Dome star, security immense?

Havnt heard of any major problems but think its safe to say they put on the worst display we have seen from travelling fans in 17 years. Not sure why they had to launch so much shark onto the field in front of them looked like a tip apparently even showering their own players.
Had a couple of drunken guys when i was leaving on my own carrying the drum say come lets grab their drum until i turned around and told them to FK off and they decided yeah na.
Otherwise had a great chat with some guys at the Featherston  with plenty of good natured banter thrown by both sides all taken in the good humour it was intended. does seem like the Port dosnt want to engage in that sort of fandom.

What do you mean “the worst display we have seen from travelling fans in 17 years”?

I thought they were bloody impressive, contributed to an awesome atmosphere. Good on them. Hope they continue to travel in numbers
The nix fans down that end of the field were loving it, especially the kids some watching them just as much as watching the game and giving it back. 

Did you only read part of the post and only bother with the first sentence because the second clearly says why i said that. I made no reference to their contributing to the atmosphere at all. Also mentioned talking to some of their fans.

The Spelling Referee

theprof

Kept away until I'd calmed myself from yesterday's shambolic display. I had high hopes but they were slowly wittled away within the first 45. We looked comfortable on the ball, but playing out from goal we looked very much under pressure thanks to AFC's exceptionally high press which they stuck too for most of the game. They dod not look like scoring in the first half, and only really managed to get the first through our mistake at the back - sur eit was caused due to their press. The second came from another error in the midfield and a defensive lapse leaving Brimmer wide open. 

I dont think we deserved to win, they were better on the day. There were definately factors that favoured them, their build up has ben in NZ for 3 weeks - what new team gets their first two games at home (the neix never have, I dont think). Nix had the worst possible travel back from Perth. Not an excuse just comparitively different and you can understand maybe the lack of fizz from our boys late in the game. 
I loved that Rufer managed to be fit in time! He and Conchie look great together. Sheridan did well again, as did Hughes. AFC kept Nagasawa and Ishiige relatively quiet with some very physical stuff - as did we with Sakai.

 Colokovski added nothing when he came on, he looked disinterested and really not up to speed, OVH would have been better or Al Taay, Rojas really didnt have time to do much, although he should have one a penalty with his first foray into the box.

Surprised at Chiefs tactics, only three subs used, stuck with the short goal kicks and playing out from the box which lead to the first goal. 

We need to be better, I just hope that the 26k Nix fans come back to support the team!

*Colakovski. Hard name, just a foul.

 I just call him colonoscopy cause I can't remember his name yet. 

Drawing with Western United you mean, we haven't played Roar yet, though AFC has.

theprof

The sky isnt falling, but 3 weeks in we arent exactly setting the world on fire. Drawing against the Roar looked difficult and they are horrid, beating Perth was an absolute must and that didnt look easy. Losing to AFC just highlighted some areas we need to work on. Both on and off the field.

Procrastinixing

Drawing with Western United you mean, we haven't played Roar yet, though AFC has.

theprof

The sky isnt falling, but 3 weeks in we arent exactly setting the world on fire. Drawing against the Roar looked difficult and they are horrid, beating Perth was an absolute must and that didnt look easy. Losing to AFC just highlighted some areas we need to work on. Both on and off the field.

Yeah that forgetable game

The big plus about yesterdays game is that with the crowd we got it means over 70000 people have been to watch an A League game in New Zealand over the last 3 weeks.
No one would have thought that was possible when Gallop and his cronies were trying to get rid of us. Bastard
Might be small but at least something about yesterday put a small smile on my dial.

Dougie Rydal

I'm still not convinced by our keeper, he's not dominant at all,  prefering to stay on his line whether it's a corner, cross or through ball. That seems his default.
I don't blame him for the error, if we play football like that you're asking for perfection, and that's not going to happen.
Almost all keepers are good shot stoppers, they don't make it this far without having that attribute, but the good ones dominant their box, bark at defenders, and exude confidence.
I am surprised he's been offered an extension seemingly based on being fit at training.

I'm afraid even I was calling him Dracula yesterday because of his approach to crosses. I can only hope he improves .

How many headers did we win yesterday when it was 50/50? Think Chiefs comments regarding not needing more hight in our attacking line is just not true. We need someone that can win the ball in the air in both the midfield and the penalty box. Not the players faults, they can't magically grow taller, that's a management problem.

Also am I going crazy or was Sutton quite poor? Looked like he was really struggling to retain possession whenever we got pressed. Admittedly that was true of a lot of our team.

I really do think that some of our players hitting absolute form seasons last season papered over some of the cracks with Chiefs tactics. I know that's an unpopular opinion because of coming second but really I think we got very lucky and happened to have a lot of quality individuals, especially in the goalkeeping and center back department.  I completely refute that we had the best defense in the league last season, if we did we wouldn't have conceded as many shots as we did. We had the best goalkeeper not the best defence, it's not the same thing. These problems are gonna come back to haunt us this year as I don't think the proper recruitment has been done to rectify it.

Pretty shark performance in front if what will be out biggest crowd of the season, it's a shame that we weren't even that entertaining in the loss either. Missed opportunities, story of the last 17 years.

Anyway, we're gonna win the league.

What did he do? I'm desperate for an excuse not to miss him.
Come on, I'll take anything lol