Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert cut a resigned figure after his team went down 1-0 away to Melbourne Heart on Sunday.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert cut a resigned figure after his team went down 1-0 away to Melbourne Heart on Sunday.
Phoenix had more than their fair share of chances in the A-League match at LaTrobe City Stadium.
They trailed to Mate Dugandzic’s goal four minutes before the break in Morwell, but the introduction of Daniel Sanchez and Mirjan Pavlovic saw Wellington dominate the closing exchanges.
Somehow, Heart’s defence repelled the onslaught, leaving Phoenix to dwell on their missed opportunities.
“We’ve probably had a few games like that this year. It’s really frustrating,” Herbert said.
“I wouldn’t say it was the best of games. It see-sawed a little bit. But we come away very disappointed for not getting anything from it.”
Wellington recorded just their second win of the season when they beat Sydney FC 2-1 last week.
But Herbert felt there were warning signs then of his team’s inability to convert their chances.
“Even last week it was a good result for us against Sydney, but that could have been four or five (goals),” he said.
“And just that conviction in the front third of the pitch, the crosses and being able to put the ball in the back of the net, is going to make things a little easier for us.”
“But having said that, we copped a soft goal again and that’s probably three games on the bounce that we’ve given away sloppy goals.”
There was an element of controversy over Heart’s goal.
Fred took a quick free kick to begin the scoring move, and the midfielder appeared to gain considerable territory from the spot where the original foul was committed.
“I’d say it was a little more than five metres,” Herbert said, referring to a generous interpretation of the rules from referee Ben Williams.
“It just surprises you every week (referring decisions), but we’ve got move on and deal with it.”
Wellington captain Andrew Durante echoed his coach’s sentiments, after a hard-working performance went unrewarded.
“We came out second half and had a ton of chances,” Durante said.
“I don’t think we were outstanding at all but we created enough to at least get a point out of this and we’re disappointed.”
Durante at least offered his approval for the A-League’s regional initiative, which saw Sunday’s match played at the home of former National Soccer League club Gippsland Falcons.
“I think you’ve got to get out into different areas, and try and get the crowds from all different places,” he said.
“The pitch was in good condition, so we can’t complain.”
“We’ve taken a few games away from Wellington and it’s good that people all around Australia and New Zealand get to watch their clubs.”
