Phoenix claim fourth place and a home play-off with 1-0 away win at Gold CoastROBINA, Gold Coast City - Sunday, 7 February 2010The Wellington Phoenix thanks to a converted penalty just on injury time, netted the only goal of an exciting away game to keep their opponents scoreless in three encounters of the 2009-10 A-League, and expect to finish the season in 4th position on the table; The mouth-watering prospect home play-off game now beckons with next Friday's final home game against the Central Coast Mariners. A win will be subject to a 3 points from a victory would keep them ahead of 5th placed Perth Glory who are at also home in their final League clash next week, whilst a win by the Jets will virtually have also have no further effect on the Phoenix final position. The final claim to 4th place is now between Perth and the Phoenix next weekend. 2010-11 Hyundi A-League [rd26]:
Following Perth Glory's 3-2 loss the Sydney FC, the Phoenix's win take them to clear fourth on the table and within reach of a home semi-final at Westpac Stadium with just one regular season match left, against the Central Coast Mariners at their Wellington fortress. Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert was rapt with the performance of his team. "We came here to win and that's what we did. We were positive and we approached this as if it was a playoff match - we were up for it. Even though we knew we'd made the top six, it was clear what our intentions were and this win puts us in the driving seat for the top four and a home semi-final." The Phoenix's defence, led superbly by skipper Andrew Durante and his centreback mate Jon McKain, was awesome. When the Gold Coast weren't being shut down by the Phoenix's tireless midfield of Tim Brown, Manny Muscat and Vince Lia, it was Durante and McKain who held the line and repelled the hosts. Herbert refused to single any particular player out, saying the win was a true team effort. "There was a lot riding on this match for us and for them and the Gold Coast is a tough place to come to. But everyone, from front to back, worked extremely hard in quite sapping conditions and played their part." Gold Coast United: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (GK), 3. Michael THWAITE,
7. Zenon CARAVELLA (19. Andrew BARISIC 67'), 8. ANDERSON, 9. Shane
SMELTZ, 10. Jason CULINA (c), 11. Charlie MILLER (23. Steve FITZSIMMONS
86'), 13. Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14. Joel PORTER, 16. Kristian REES, 36.
Dino DJULBIC (5. ROBSON 54')
Wellington Phoenix: REDDY (GK); DURANTE (capt), McKAIN, LOCHHEAD, M MUSCAT (67' DADI);
T BROWN, HEARFIELD, LIA, IFILL, GREENACRE, CACERES (57' BERTOS),
It was another gutting result for the Gold Coast against the Phoenix. The Wellington club remains the only Hyundai A-League outfit the Gold Coast have failed to beat this season, with tonight's result taking the Phoenix's record to a draw and two wins - one a 6-0 drubbing at Westpac Stadium in round 12. The Gold Coast and their league-leading marksman - former Phoenix striker Shane Smeltz - have also failed to score against the New Zealand-based club this season. The Phoenix now look forward to Friday night's match against the Mariners at Westpac Stadium, where the hosts have not been beaten in 14 matches. A win on Friday night could well secure a historic home semi-final. "It's going to be a huge match and a huge occasion," said Herbert. "I'm certain a big crowd will get a long and the team is really looking forward to that. It'll be a piece of history and we want the fans to share in that." It all came about following the Mariners postponed game last night against Newcastle Jets, which has been re-scheduled for tomorrow (Monday)night, and the final outcome will have no bearing on the where the Phoenix end on the table. That is unless the Jets win 14-0. HYUNDI A-LEAGUE TABLE 2009-10 [rd 26]
Related Links and Stories Phoenix stun Gold Coast - Sportal
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