A brilliant weekend for the Wellington Phoenix academy, as all four sides involved in the National League came away with victories.
There was a double header at Fraser Park on Sunday, as the women’s and men’s reserves played back to back.
The women’s side began by securing their first points of the campaign, thrashing Central Football 5-0.
Captain Ella McMillan grabbed an early double, both from corners, to put the Nix ahead at the break.
Isla Cleall-Harding then added a third from the penalty spot, before Lily Brazendale and the outstanding Ela Jerez found the net to ensure a resounding scoreline.
The men’s reserves then faced Western Suburbs, and came away with their first win since round two.
Oskar van Hattum opened the scoring with a venomous volley after Luke Brooke-Smith found him in space at the back post.
Some backs-to-the-wall defending kept Wests from scoring before Ryan Watson tapped home from a Luke Supyk cutback to seal the three points.
In the youth National League, the boys’ U-17 Phoenix side were crowned national champions for the second year in a row.
In the finals tournament, held at NZCIS on Sunday, they overcame Auckland City and Fencibles United before beating Auckland United 3-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Luqman Ibrahim, Alessandro Marchesse, and Jack Perniskie were all on the scoresheet in the deciding match.
Meanwhile, the girls’ U-17 team beat Central 1-0 on Sunday to go top of the table with two rounds remaining. Maisy McDonald scored the winning goal.
Replays and highlights of all senior National League games are available for free on FIFA+.
Main Image: Ryan Imray/Imray’s Snaps
