Written by Keegan Pulik
Throughout the entire saga involving the
Wellington Phoenix over the past 3 weeks, Wellington would have been desperate
to put in a good performance against a lowly rated Central Coast side. The
match started positively for the Kiwi’s when Michael McGlinchey opened the
scoring only 8 minutes into the game, but Wellington were not able to maintain
the lead as Roy O’Donovan equalised in the 76th. Despite not being
able to hold the lead for the remaining 82 minutes, Phoenix didn’t look too bad
in this match, obviously not the result they would have wanted but given the
circumstances and having to travel to Melbourne and Gosford without knowing how
where their futures lie.
With the future of the Phoenix entirely in hands of
the FFA, Wellington will need to get behind their squad with huge attendances
and TV ratings improving. Reportedly since the news broke of Wellington’s
possible exit from the league the memberships having rapidly increased in order
to show the interest in the club, it is also being said that the Nix group
have reached out to the NZFA for support. Also reports that a meeting with
Frank Lowy, Chairman of the FFA, came to a conclusion that the club needs to
increase a fan base around New Zealand, which could lead to a possible
rebranding of the club. Watch this space over the coming months it will be and
interesting saga.
Adelaide’s poor start to the season
continued last week being hammered 4-2 by a resurgent City side who were keen
to bounce back after the shock loss to the Jets the week before. It took for
United to fall 3-0 behind before they posted their first goal of the season,
not including the two own goals that were scored for them, and the honour fell to their Spanish maestro Sergio Cirio. But even though Cirio’s goal brought the
match slightly within reach it was quickly extended back to 3 when Bruno
Fornaroli scored 5 minutes later. Adelaide received a consolation penalty which
was converted in the final stages of the match by Pablo Sanchez but by then it
was too little too late with Adelaide being easily beat.
Wellington having the odd Friday match at
home in front of an anticipated huge crowd to boost the Save the Nix campaign.
Adelaide have been woeful and Wellington having everything to play for.
Newysports' Panel Tips:
Keegan’s Tip: 3-1 Wellington
Ty’s Tip: 1-1 Draw
Alex’s Tip: 2-1 Wellington
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