Another trip across the Tasman ended in disappointment for the Wellington Phoenix when they were beaten 2-0 by Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
While Adelaide, who began the game in bottom place on the Hyundai A-League ladder, produced a much-improved performance under new coach John Kosmina, the Phoenix contributed to their own downfall through an inability to turn chances into goals.
The Phoenix matched their opponents in every facet, apart from the most important – putting the ball into the net.
As has been the case so often this season away from home, the Phoenix played some good attacking football without being able to capitalise on the spells when they were on top of their opponents.
Had Eugene Galekovic not stuck out his left foot to deny Chris Greenacre with a fine reflex save early in the game, or had Tim Brown-s 40th minute glancing header from a driven Daniel cross not hit an upright rather than the net, it could have been a much happier trip home.
Instead the Phoenix could only reflect on what it might have been after being sunk by strikes from Bruce Djite, who makes a habit of scoring against the Wellington side, and Anthony Golec.
Coach Ricki Herbert has had to sit through some disappointing performances by his side in a stadium where they have won only once – 1-0 last season – but that wasn-t the case this time.
“I thought it was a reasonable performance,” Herbert said.
“We certainly had a few chances and had we been half as clinical as last week (the 5-2 win over Newcastle Jets) we would have got something from it.
“There were a ton of balls into the box but you have to put them away.
“I thought their first goal was disappointing on our part but we had plenty of opportunities to get back on terms.”
Adelaide United 2 (Bruce Djite, Antony Golec), Wellington Phoenix 0. HT: 1-0.
