The Phoenix A team hit its straps on Wednesday night in beating the New Zealand Under-20 side 5-1.

Making it a clean sweep for the Phoenix, School of Excellence striker Hamish Watson scored the Under-20 team-s only goal with a powerful header from a Justin Gulley cross.

The Phoenix team was made up of first team squad members, fringe players and on-loan New Zealand Under-17 players.

Alex Smith, a regular member of the first team, gave the Phoenix A the best possible start with a firm shot across Under-20 goalkeeper Scott Basalaj and Benji Totori, who has featured regularly as a substitute in the A-League, added a second with a superb finish.

Van Elia. Kade Schrijvers and Stuart Houlthusen all added second half goals as the Phoenix A ran out comfortable winners.

Phoenix A coach Chris Greenacre was pleased with his team-s application and the way they moved the ball around and said it was encouraging to see some of the talent coming through in the New Zealand under-17 squad.