The Wellington Phoenix have jumped up the Ninja A-League ladder after backing up their record-breaking win over Sydney FC.
The Phoenix have beaten Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 at Wanderers Football Park in Sydney thanks to goals from Emma Main in the seventh minute of each half and Sabitra “Samba” Bhandari’s third of the season.
Wellington’s first road win of the campaign has lifted the Nix from ninth to fourth on the ladder, ahead of the defending champion Central Coast Mariners on goal difference, and with a game in hand.
The result also ensures the Sister City Cup remains in the club’s hands.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman was pleased with the result.
“Sometimes you’ve got to just win a football match,” Priestman said post-match.
“Was it the prettiest game that you’ve seen? I don’t think so, but…to go on the road, to come away with a clean sheet and to get three goals I’ve got to be happy.”
As well as finding the back of the net, Samba produced the assist for both of Main’s goals as she was cheered on by a large and vocal Nepalese crowd.
“It was incredible. We gave out Phoenix flags as well and it really made a big difference.
“Samba was electric every time she got the ball tonight and she’s really feeling the love from her community.
“She’s finding her rhythm now after coming off that injury. All credit to the club to bring such a marquee player. It helps us on the road too in terms of home support.”
Bev Priestman made one change to the XI which started the 7-0 win over Sydney FC before Christmas with Lara Wall replacing fellow Football Fern Manaia Elliott at left wingback. New signing Emma Pijnenburg was named amongst the substitutes.
The Phoenix made a strong start and took the lead after just six minutes when they won possession high up the pitch.
Samba dragged a shot to the edge of the six yard box where Main steered it into the back of the net.
The Nix threatened for the next 10 or so minutes without testing Western Sydney ‘keeper Sham Khamis and Wanderers then started getting the better of what was a physical contest.
They too however failed to call Vic Esson into action, with the Football Ferns goalkeeper untroubled in the first half.
Khamis made a good save in the 40th minute, pushing a direct free kick from Grace Jale around the post after Main had been fouled outside the box.
Samba had the ball in the back of the net three minutes later but Main was flagged for offside in the lead-up and the goal wasn’t awarded.
It was the last meaningful goalmouth action of the first half.
Priestman made her first substitution at the interval with Elliott replacing Wall.
Samba wasn’t to be denied three minutes into the second half. She swept home a loose ball from near the penalty spot after Wanderers were unable to deal with a right-wing cross from Brooke Nunn. Nunn had found some space after Pia Vlok had made a powerful run down the right flank.
The Nepalese striker turned provider four minutes later for Wellington’s third. She burst forward from halfway and then found Main on the edge of the six yard box. Main’s first time shot was partially saved before she tapped home into an empty net.
Emma Main’s second goal saw her draw level with Jale and Mariana Speckmaier at the top of the team’s all-time goalscoring chart.
Priestman made her second change moments later with Pijnenburg coming on to make her Phoenix debut in place of CJ Bott, who took a knock to the knee a few minutes earlier.
She made a further substitution shortly after the hour mark with Lucía León replacing Nunn.
Grace Jale came close to making it 4-0 in the 64th minute when she saw her snap volley drift narrowly wide of the left post.
The Nix didn’t threaten Western Sydney’s goal again but they remained in control at the other end of the pitch.
Wanderers registered their first shot on target in the 85th minute from a direct free kick which was comfortably saved by Esson.
In front of her, centre backs Marisa van der Meer, Mackenzie Barry and Ellie Walker ensured Wellington’s goal wasn’t threatened and the Phoenix secured a third clean sheet of the season.
The Wellington Phoenix will see the New Year in across the ditch before turning their attentions to Saturday night’s match against the Brisbane Roar in Brisbane.
Wellington Phoenix: 1. Victoria ESSON (gk), 2. CJ BOTT (c) (32. Emma PIJNENBURG 53rd), 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Ellie WALKER, 7. Grace JALE, 9. Sabitra BHANDARI, 16. Marisa VAN DER MEER, 20. Emma MAIN (15. Daisy BRAZENDALE 78th), 21. Lara WALL (11. Manaia ELLIOTT 46th), 23. Brooke NUNN (14. Lucía LEÓN 62nd), 24. Pia VLOK (27. Zoe BENSON 78th).
Unused substitutes: 22. Aimee DANIELI (gk).
Western Sydney Wanderers: 20. Sham KHAMIS (gk), 3. Wang YING, 6. Amy CHESSARI (19. Talia YOUNIS 68th), 7. Amy HARRISON (c), 9. Seoun KIM (25. Holly CASPERS 59th), 11. Danika MATOS, 14. Ella BUCHANAN (5. Amelie BENNETT 82nd), 17. Allyssa NG-SAAD (10. Yuan CONG 68th), 22. Alana CERNE, 37. Ena HARADA, 66. Chloe BERRYHILL.
Unused substitutes: 12. Brianna EDWARDS (gk), 4. Poppie HOOKS.
Goals:
20. Emma MAIN (Wellington Phoenix) – 7th & 52nd
9. Sabitra BHANDARI (Wellington Phoenix) – 48th
Cards:
23. Brooke NUNN (Wellington Phoenix) – yellow – 33rd
14. Lucía LEÓN (Wellington Phoenix) – yellow – 79th
