Ufuk Talay’s reign at Wellington Phoenix has commenced in the strongest possible way.
Talay’s Phoenix side beat New Zealand Central League outfit Wairarapa United 7-0 in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly.
Star recruits David Ball and Ulises Davila were particularly impressive for the Kiwi club.
SIGNING NEWS: All of Wellington Phoenix’s Ins & Outs
CACACE: Singh’s Bayern move has given Kiwi youngsters belief
Ball, Phoenix’s new number nine for 2019/20, teed up an opening goal for fellow newcomer Jaushua Sotirio before collecting a double on the cusp of half time, while Davila hit a scorching effort in the first half.
Sotirio also helped himself to a pair of goals, Cameron Devlin and Liberato Cacace were also on the scoresheet.
Awesome opportunity post-match for lots of signings and photos with our #Nix fans ?? ⠀
⠀
Great to see you all there! ?⠀
⠀#StandUpWithYourNix pic.twitter.com/CP0Nr4nZfo— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) July 24, 2019
Popovic pleased with Glory youngsters
Perth Glory boss Tony Popovic has been impressed with the progress a host of the club’s young talent are making as last season’s premiers continue to build towards the start of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season.
Popovic started seven academy players in Tuesday night’s friendly against WA NPL leaders Perth SC, with many catching the eye in Glory’s hard-fought 2-0 win.
“The training is quite demanding, so we have to understand that once they’ve had a period of a few weeks with the first team, they do hit a flat spot and do get heavy-legged and fatigued,” Popovic told the club’s official website.
“But we’re pleased with what they’re showing.
“[Against Perth SC] there were glimpses of the young boys doing a few good things, some good actions. They might not be able to sustain it or do it repetitively, but that comes with time and training and physically when they evolve.”
NEW KITS: Every club’s 2019/20 jersey
PRE-SEASON WRAP: Barbarouses off the mark for Sydney FC
Oar back for Mariners
They scored five goals, kept a clean sheet and played some enterprising football but that was a different highlight for Central Coast Mariners in their pre-season friendly win over Charlestown City Blues on Tuesday night.
And that was the return to the field of winger Tommy Oar in his first match since suffering a serious knee injury in February.
“It’s just really pleasing to be back out on the pitch,” Oar told the Mariners’ official website.
“I’m just building up my fitness and making sure I’m ready to help the team next week (in the FFA Cup) and going forward as well.”
FFA CUP: 26 goals and endless drama on opening night
WESTERN UNITED: Every signing from the Hyundai A-League’s newest club
Oar capped his return with the final goal of the night, a thunderbolt strike from distance.
The Caltex Socceroos attacker says there’s a good feeling in Gosford under coach Alen Stajcic, with the side eager to perform in the FFA Cup, starting with next week’s Round of 32 clash against Maitland.
The last few years have been disappointing going out in the cup so early,” Oar conceded.
“We’re looking to go as far as we can in the Cup. There will be no excuses and everyone is really excited for next week.”
It was so good to see @TommyOar10 back in full flight last night! ??♂️?
Tommy reflects on his first game since February and the @CCMariners @FFACup preparations! #CCMFC #FFACUp #ALeague pic.twitter.com/1DfBNrQbmn
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) July 24, 2019
