The Wellington Phoenix have taken heart from pushing the defending Hyundai A-League champions all the way in their round two clash at Allianz Stadium.
The Phoenix twice came back from two goals down but eventually couldn’t avoid a 3-2 defeat to Sydney FC.
However, newly arrived former Caltex Socceroos attacker Dario Vidosic says the future is bright after Wellington welcomed back their New Zealand internationals Andrew Durante, Tom Doyle and Michael McGlinchey.
“It was the first time for me personally to play with Dura, Doyley and Mike and it was against the Champions away from home,” Vidosic told Fox Sports after the final whistle.
“It’s most definitely encouraging for a few of us tonight.
“We can take confidence from that,” he said.
MATCH REPORT | Phoenix denied a memorable point in fighting performance against Champions Sydney #SYDvWEL #COYN 📄 https://t.co/AFhjpkuyJT pic.twitter.com/SfETu7q9Or
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 15, 2017
Wellington were denied the chance to equalise late in the game when substitute Ali Abbas was incorrectly flagged offside with team-mate Hamish Watson waiting unmarked for a cross into the penalty area.
“We had that two against one with the goalkeeper right at the death so we were maybe a little bit unlucky not to take the draw, but that happens,” said Vidosic.
“Today it went against us and maybe next time it’ll go in our favour.
“So, we have positives to take away but full credit to them – they’re a very good team and you can see they’ve been together for a very long time.”
FULL TIME | Great second half battle from the #Nix – but not enough to come back against the 2016/17 champions #SYDvWEL (3-2) pic.twitter.com/KNDubsvQQO
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) October 15, 2017
Vidosic took a small slice of personal satisfaction from scoring a second goal in as many games for his new club, both coming through well-timed headers.
He also chested down a long pass from Durante to set up fellow new-boy Andrija Kaludjerovic for Wellington’s opener just before half-time.
“Yeah, I’m happy with that,” admitted Vidosic.
“I’d obviously swap it for three points but happy to help out with an assist and a goal.
“Hopefully next week we can get the three points,” he said.
The Phoenix next face unbeaten Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday.
