Another valuable hit-out for the Wellington Phoenix men ahead of the new A-Leagues season.
A Phoenix side, missing seven first team squad members, played reigning premiers the Newcastle Jets in Sydney on Thursday. The Nix lost 5-3 after conceding two late goals.
The two sides were locked at 2-2 at halftime and 3-3 for much of the second half before the Jets’ fresher legs prevailed.
Young forward Nathan Walker scored two of the Phoenix’s goals, one in each half, while attacking midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa also found the back of the net.
International commitments, injuries, minutes restrictions and illness tested the men’s depth in what was their ninth pre-season match and third against A-League opposition.
Alex Rufer, Bill Tuiloma and Henry Gray are with the All Whites in Japan, Isaac Hughes, Riley Bidois and Jayden Smith didn’t travel to Sydney because of injuries and Corban Piper fell ill on Wednesday night and was unable to play.
Furthermore James McGarry and Rafael Durán were on reduced minutes, with McGarry replaced after half an hour while Durán was limited to playing the first half.
Dylan Gardiner and Lukas Kelly-Heald deputised as the centre backs for the full match while Gardiner’s reserves teammate Luke Mitchell played the entire second half.
The Phoenix finished the match with nine past or present academy players on the pitch.
Despite the challenges Greenacre says it was a really good hit-out.
“With the All Whites away, injuries, minute restrictions and Corban Piper’s illness we were a little bit light, but the players that stepped in did really, really well,” he said.
“Nathan Walker came in and scored a couple of goals, and we created a lot of opportunities.
“I’m really pleased with some of the stuff we did in possession. We just have to be more clinical at times.
“Defensively we’re a little bit light and lacking a bit of experience in the backline. We got punished a couple of times from lack of playing together to be honest.
“It was also quite hot and it was great to have the players exposed to 29/30 degrees. We’re obviously not exposed to those conditions at the moment in New Zealand.
“Overall I’m really pleased with the game and thankful for the board for allowing us to have the extra game.”
The men will travel to Sydney again next week to play Macarthur FC in their final hit-out before opening the club’s 20th season against Melbourne Victory at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
