Jeremy Brockie netted a hat-trick as Wellington Phoenix completed their Hyundai A-League build up with a 7-1 win over Young Heart Manawatu on Saturday.
Jeremy Brockie netted a hat-trick, while Ricardo Clarke and Stein Huysegems scored their first goals for Wellington Phoenix as they completed their Hyundai A-League build up with a 7-1 win over Young Heart Manawatu on Saturday.
Brockie’s first-half treble lifted his pre-season tally to 18 goals, while Louis Fenton and Huysegems also got on the scoresheet to give the Phoenix a comfortable 5-0 lead at the break against the New Zealand league side.
Fenton, who appears likely to make his A-League debut against Sydney FC next Saturday, was replaced for the start of the second half by Paul Ifill, who is looking to prove his fitness following knee and ankle injuries.
Hamish Watson, who is set to join the Phoenix’s school of excellence, clawed one back for Manawatu just after the break before goals for Clarke and Tyler Boyd rounded out the victory.
Coach Ricki Herbert was pleased with his team’s final hit-out and was particularly impressed by Fenton, Huysegems and Clarke.
“Louis was outstanding, Stein could have had two or three more than the one he scored and was impressive in his movement and touch,” he said.
“Ricardo is still settling in but looked good on the ball and took his goal superbly.
“For me the most important thing was to get more minutes under the belt for everyone, including the young players, and now we can look toward Saturday’s opening A-League game against Sydney.”
