Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante believes his side deserved to take “at least” a point from Sunday’s 2-1 defeat away to Melbourne City.
The visitors recovered from a sluggish first 45 minutes to find an equaliser on the hour, but could only maintain parity for 10 minutes as Bruno Fornaroli’s 71st minute penalty proved the difference.
REPORT: City see off Phoenix to go second
HIGHLIGHTS: Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix
Durante felt the improved second half display warranted more than a fifth defeat of the season.
“They were good in the first half. We struggled to deal with them,” the Phoenix skipper told Fox Sports.
“They throw a lot of numbers forward as everyone knows and they had some good chances.
“In the second half we adjusted ourselves defensively and really put them under pressure.
“I thought we deserved (our) goal. It’s disappointing, I think we were good enough for a draw.”
Durante came as close as anyone to a late equaliser when Hamish Watson’s fizzed pass across the face just evaded the veteran defender.
“I don’t score many and I didn’t score again,” he smiled.
“We threw numbers (forward) to try to get the equaliser. The boys worked hard, it was just an upsetting night.
“I thought we were good in the second half but we couldn’t get that other goal.”
