Wellington Phoenix are hungry for more after celebrating an historic first Liberty A-League victory.
The Phoenix face fourth-placed Adelaide United at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Thursday, on the back of their drought-ending 3-0 win over Canberra United.
Emotions were high after securing their first-ever A-League Women triumph at the 11th time of asking and despite the magnitude of the win, Wellington are not dwelling on the result as they look to climb off the foot of the table.
“I said, are we done? Are we happy? We could have a nice relaxing three weeks if we want and train a little bit less and get through the games and I’m sure everyone back home would be happy with us … but everyone was like nah. It just made everyone more hungry,” said Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis, who has been left with just one available goalkeeper due to Lily Alfeld’s New Zealand callup.
“They’re not just happy with one win, which is something we were worried about; you chase that first win for so long and when you get it, it’s kind of like ‘job done’. But no, they’re definitely hungry for more and we feel like these next three games there’s definitely opportunities.
“As a team they want to get off the bottom of the table, and they feel like it’s achievable.”
Wellington, though, will have their work cut out against prolific Adelaide forward Fiona Worts.
Worts bagged a stunning five-goal haul in Adelaide’s 8-2 demolition of Brisbane Roar last time out, becoming the second ALW player achieve the feat this term.
Adelaide’s Worts has created 35 scoring chances in the 2021-22 Liberty A-League, at least 10 more than any other player in the competition.
A win for Adelaide would see them move level on points with second-placed Melbourne City, who have a game in hand.
Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United
Liberty A-League
Thursday, February 17 2022
WIN STADIUM
Kick-off: 6.35pm AEDT
MATCH CENTRE | HOW TO WATCH
