CHRIS GREENACRE is philosophical about the fact he should be leading this season’s Hyundai A-League goalscoring table.
CHRIS GREENACRE is philosophical about the fact he should be leading this season-s Hyundai A-League goalscoring table.
But for some dubious refereeing decisions, the Wellington Phoenix striker could well be leading the race for the Hyundai A-League-s golden boot with six goals. Twice the Briton has been denied goals due to extremely contentious offside decisions made by whistleblowers.
Still, Greenacre has four goals – the same number as fellow Phoenix frontman Paul Ifill – from 11 games so far this season and is hopeful of increasing that tally against Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday night.
Greenacre reckons it-s only a matter of time before things really start to swing his way.
“One or two dodgy decisions have cost me a couple of goals this year but you have to start that in a long season those decision come around about your way later on, so I-m waiting for that to happen.
“The thing is for me is that even though a couple of goals were disallowed I-ve had the chances, I-ve finished them and I-ve kept my eye in. It-s not cost me any confidence in front of goal.”
While some of the officiating has taken time to get used to, Greenacre has also had to adapt to occasional personnel changes in the Phoenix-s front third. Ifill, Dylan Macallister and Mirjan Pavlovic have all been used in support of the nuggety British striker so far this season.
“It has been difficult. But I-m a professional and whichever team we do put out there you simply have to adapt to different situations, different formations and the different tactics used against us.”
On Brisbane-s tactics on Wednesday night, Greenacre is expecting an attacking mentality from the visitors. But the Phoenix will also look at go on the offensive and continue their staggering unbeaten run at Westpac Stadium in what promises to be an open and entertaining match.
“They play good attacking football and they-re quite creative around the edge of the box. They like to move the ball and switch play. For us, we-re quite quick on the break with the flank men Leo Bertos and Paul Ifill, Tim Brown bursting through. We-re maybe not as direct as other sides but we try to play at pace and that bodes for an exciting spectacle.”
And Greenacre himself aims to generate plenty of excitement on Wednesday night.
“It seems to be quite a while since we played (coming off the bye), so what better fixture than against Brisbane at Westpac Stadium. Hopefully we can get plenty of fans through the turnstiles and get the buzz going.
“It-s fantastic to score at home, to run over to the Yellow Fever. There are no words to describe it, to look up and see the stand packed with supporters and cheering the team on.”
Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has named a 17-man preliminary squad to be trimmed by two on gameday. New signing Simon Elliott has been named in the squad pending international transfer clearance.
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 4. Nick WARD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 15. Jade NORTH, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER, 26. Simon ELLIOTT
*two to be omitted*
In: Simon ELLIOTT (short-term injury replacement), Dylan MACALLISTER (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Tony LOCHHEAD (groin – 6 weeks), Oscar ROBERT CORNEJO (knee – 6 weeks)
