On-loan striker Corey Gameiro did his future prospects no harm with an energetic and profitable performance as Wellington Phoenix drew 2-2 with Adelaide United at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Fulham player had a hand in both Phoenix goals, assisting Jeremy Brockie for the first and netting the second himself with a lovely volley.
A left-footed strike by Tomi Juric rocked the Phoenix early on but Gameiro-s hassling of Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic as he dithered over a clearance set up Jeremy Brockie for his 12th goal of the season and the easiest he will ever score.
The Phoenix weren-t level for long with Marcelo Carrusca regaining the lead for the visitors with a contender for goal of the season that gave goalkeeper Glen Moss no chance.
The second half belonged to the Phoenix, even before former player Jon McKain was sent off for a second caution in the 68th minute, but it wasn-t till the 80th minute that the equaliser came from Gameiro-s left foot.
There were plenty of chances for the Phoenix to go on and win the game but they couldn-t find a way past the brilliant Galekovic.
While disappointed not to take maximum points Herbert was pleased with his team-s revival after a terrible few weeks.
“”Especially in the second half there were real good shades of the old Phoenix,” he said.
“We were well in control and the only team that was going to win the game. The stats man just told me we had 23 opportunities to their six but when you get that volume you need to be better at the top half of the pitch.
“The last few weeks we-ve walked off the pitch disappointed that we haven-t played well at all, but I can-t say that today because we were right up for it.
“Some players are coming into form, albeit at the back end of the season.
“For instance I thought Paul Ifill was much brighter and livelier tonight and I was really pleased to see Brocks get back on track with a goal.”
