2 Apr 2012

Smeltz hat-trick sinks Heart, books Phoenix trip to Perth

6:34 am on 2 April 2012

The Wellington Phoenix face a tough road trip to Perth in the A-League finals, after a second-half hat-trick from All Whites striker Shane Smeltz inspired the Glory to a 3-0 triumph over Melbourne Heart.

Just eight days after putting four goals past Melbourne Victory, Smeltz booked Perth's passage through Sunday's A-League elimination final in Western Australia and into next week's minor semi-final against the Phoenix with goals in the 65th, 72nd and 92nd minutes, taking his season tally to 16 goals.

The minor semi-final takes place on Saturday night in Perth.