Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United have shared the spoils 1-1 after an even contest on Sunday afternoon at Westpac Stadium
The hosts started the game with 18-year-old keeper Keegan Smith, who made his Hyundai A-League debut, while the Reds featured a number of their new off-season acquisitions, including Johan Absalonsen and Karim Matmour.
STORY OF THE GAME
- A cracking start saw two goals inside the first 10 minutes but after a very even first 45 minutes, the teams went into the break 1-1.
- Both sides huffed and puffed in the second half but there was a lack of fluidity and quality in the final third.
- Overall it was an arm wrestle between two even sides who are yet to reach their peak fitness or fluidity.
- Both sides exhibited a direct, physical style under their new managers in front of 8,154 fans at Westpac Stadium.
GOALS
Dario Vidosic, Phoenix 5’: 1-0
Izzo’s punch from the Reds goal didn’t clear the lines and Phoenix stand-in skipper Roy Krishna picked the ball up wide, burst to the line and his cross was met by Vidosic falling backwards. He had enough strength to guide the ball into the left corner of the Reds goal. What a start for the hosts.
Johan Absalonsen, United 9’: 1-1
Casual defence by Phoenix saw the Reds’ Mileusnic pick up a loose ball down the Phoenix left. He had too much time to assess the situion and he found Absalonsen in the six yard box. The Dane’s strong downward header drawing the contest level.
