Paul Ifill is just one goal away from overtaking Shane Smeltz as Wellington Phoenix’s all-time leading goal scorer but is more concerned about taking the three points against Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Paul Ifill is just one goal away from overtaking Shane Smeltz as Wellington Phoenix’s all-time leading goal scorer but is more concerned about taking the three points against Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Smeltz, who has also scored regularly against his former club, and Ifill have netted 21 times for the Phoenix but the English import is unconcerned who gets the goals for Wellington this weekend.
“We’ve got to get our home form back on track,” said Ifill.
“It doesn-t matter who scores as long as someone puts the ball in the net.”
“We had some good chances last week in Morwell (against Melbourne Heart) and didn-t take any so everyone needs to step up.”
“Brownie (Tim Brown) is only one goal behind Smeltzy and myself and if he scores two on Saturday and overtakes us both I-ll be the first to congratulate him.”
Smeltz is one of the A-League’s most consistent goal scorers.
He won the golden boot award in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons and in five appearances against the Phoenix has found the net three times.
“I think Shane is the best striker in the league,” Ifill said.
“His goal to game record is exceptional and he is the type of player who doesn-t seem to be doing much and suddenly he has put the ball in your net.”
“We are different types of players but it would be pleasing to get the Phoenix record off him. I-m lucky he can-t get any more for the club.”
Ifill predicts the Wellington back four will have to be on their toes against Smeltz and his strike partner, Billy Mehmet.
“That pair will make things tough for our back four,” Ifill said.
“I don-t think the best has been seen of Billy yet. He has lost weight since he trialled with us and is looking sharper.”
“It is up to the rest of us to take some pressure off the defence by scoring goals.”
The Phoenix sit eighth on the ladder following last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Heart.
Saturday’s game will be the first of three in eight days with the Brisbane Roar travelling to Dunedin for their midweek clash with the Phoenix on December 14 before Wellington head to Melbourne to play the Victory four days later.
