We shall remain unbeaten! It’s back to Fortress Westpac for Wellington
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
Wednesday 3rd November 7:30pm
We shall remain unbeaten! It-s back to Fortress Westpac for Wellington, as Brisbane Roar become the latest club to attempt to end Phoenix-s amazing home record.
It-s the same old story for Wellington Phoenix. Another away trip, another disappointment. To be fair, defeat to Adelaide United is nothing to be ashamed of and the 3-0 score-line is perhaps slightly misleading.
Indeed, Phoenix were probably the better side in the opening 45 minutes – so much so that Ricki Herbert labelled it his team’s best half of the season – and one can only wonder what the result would have been had Chris Greenacre-s header on the half-hour not been saved by Eugene Galekovic.
However, rather than going in at half-time with a lead to try and preserve, the side-s capitulation in the second-half was indicative of their lack of confidence on the road. Still, fortunately for the Jekyll and Hyde New Zealanders, they are back on home soil for a Wednesday night clash with Brisbane Roar.
Games under the lights always offer a great atmosphere and the Fever Zone will be the usual outstanding voice as Phoenix look to avenge the 1-0 defeat to Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Week 4 of this Hyundai A-League season. Despite their team-s poor away form, Phoenix fans will be hopeful of a result against Brisbane. After all, their side simply doesn-t lose at home.
Their draw with Melbourne Heart in Week 10 saw them stretch their unbeaten run at Westpac Stadium to 24 games, one clear of the previous record holders, Sydney United.
Ricki Herbert-s side mustn-t simply rely on their reputation at Westpac or the noise generated by their football-crazy supporters though, and, if they are to beat their in-form opponents, they-ll be looking for Leo Bertos to put on a similar display to the one that caused Adelaide so many problems in the early stages of the game at Hindmarsh Stadium, while talismanic front-man Paul Ifill will be also looking to get amongst the goals
Wednesday-s trip is the second tricky away tie in four days for Brisbane Roar but they will go there with confidence. Not only are the team mounting a fine challenge for silverware in the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, but they have a great record against Phoenix.
In ten meetings, Roar have only ever lost once to their New Zealand opponents, having got the better of them on six occasions, one of which came at Suncorp earlier this season. However, Phoenix fans will be quick to point out that their side-s solitary victory came upon Roar-s most recent trip to Wellington, when a Eugene Dadi brace helped secure an easy 3-1 win.
Wellington Phoenix-s home form is becoming increasingly important in this Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, but this match-up with Brisbane is going to be one of the trickiest home tests they-ll face. So, as always, if they are going to continue this incredible record of results at Westpac Stadium them they-ll be looking for non-stop backing from the Fever Zone. Make some noise!
