Wellington Phoenix’ pre-season plans ramped up this week with a 10-day camp on the Gold Coast with intense double sessions planned on most days.
As part of the preparations, Wellington faced off against fellow Hyundai A-league club Brisbane Roar in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday night at CBUS Stadium.
Both parties agreed between them that the match would be behind closed doors with both clubs keen to retain maximum flexibility around the game.
Nathan Burns gave the Phoenix the lead early on from a corner in the first half.
“Regarding what we’ve been working on, I was content with the outcome of the first half,” Head Coach, Mark Rudan said.
“Leading 1-0 at half time, creating the better goal chances and our goalkeeper not having to make a save was pleasing.”
Importantly for Wellington, all trialists got an opportunity to take the field, in a much changed line up for the second half.
“At the break we made seven changes and gave all the trialists a full 45 minutes to show what they could do.
“Overall there were plenty of positives, and most importantly, no injuries.
“We continue to work hard, build and improve.
“The atmosphere has been very good in the camp and the players are working extremely hard.”
The team are straight back into a double session today as they prepare for the FFA Cup Round of 32 clash with Bentleigh Greens on Tuesday 7th August.
New Zealand based fans can watch the game on Sky Sport Pop Up 1 from 9.30pm (NZST).
Travelling Squad
1.Filip KURTO (Gk), 3. Ben WAINE (Academy) 5.Ryan LOWRY, 6.Dylan FOX, 7.Nathan BURNS, 8.Mitch NICHOLS, 10. David WILLIAMS, 15. Michal KOPZCYNSKI, 16. Louis FENTON, 18.Sarpreet SINGH, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Oliver SAIL (Gk), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (c), 26.Liberato CACACE, 27. Steven TAYLOR
Trial Players
Andre DE JONG, Alex RUFER, Peter SKAPETIS, Jacob TRATT, Josh WALLEN, Liam WOODING
