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Phoenix Rue Missed Chances

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The Wellington Phoenix came away with nothing in their match against Brisbane after squandering several goal-scoring chances.

Despite matching the Roar in most departments in a promising first half the Phoenix went in at the break a goal down through a 33rd minute Steven Lustica goal.

Even more galling was the fact that they had a Corey Gameiro “goal” ruled out early in the game on the advice of an assistant after it had been awarded by referee Alan Milliner.

Asked in the post-match media conference what he thought of the decision Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert was philosophical.

“The only thing I challenge is why didn-t the flag go up when the alleged foul occurred,” Herbert said.

“It went through three phases before he decided to put his flag up.”

That decision wouldn-t have mattered had the Phoenix not been so wasteful in front of goal.

Rather than feel sorry for themselves at halftime the Phoenix players rolled their sleeves up and set about getting back into the game.

They made a bright start to the second half but were rocked in the 49th minute when Dani Sanchez, who had replaced an injured Isaka Cernak in the 27th minute, gave the ball away in his own half and the lethal Besart Berisha punished him with a clinical finish.

In the last half hour the Phoenix created several chances but such is their lack of confidence in front of goal at present they all went begging.

Herbert lamented the missed chances, saying he believed his team should have got something out of the game.

“It was disappointing because we worked hard after coming off a terrible result against the Mariners,” he said.

“The second goal was a real killer. Turning the ball over in that area of the pitch shouldn-t happen, but the same thing happened last time we came here.

“I felt the endeavour we showed was good enough to get a result.”

Herbert was satisfied with Gameiro-s debut and pleased that there had been shots on goal.

“I thought Corey was lively, as were Louis (Fenton) and Tyler (Boyd),” he said.
“They will make mistakes because they are young but they worked hard.”

Looking ahead to playing Adelaide United at Westpac Stadium next weekend Herbert said his team wouldn-t be holding back.

“While it is still possible to make the playoffs we need to be desperate and we are playing sides that are around us on the ladder,” he said.

“There are three successive home games now and we have to make the most of them.”