28 Jul 2016

Phoenix win stormy match in Beijing

11:31 am on 28 July 2016

The Wellington Phoenix has beaten Beijing BG 2-1 in a pre-season football match played in stormy conditions in Beijing.

The Phoenix went down 1-nil early in the match but levelled at one all through Hamish Watson soon afterwards.

Just before halftime new signing Brazilian Giu Finkler scored from a free kick just outside the penalty area to give the Phoenix a 2-1 lead just before halftime.

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick Photo: Photosport

The Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said "Beijing BG were very sharp because they are two-thirds through their regular season and we were pretty rusty in the opening stages conceding a goal in the first five minutes."

"The longer the first half went on we created several chances....it was a great way for our new signings Finkler and Barbarouses to introduce themselves. Both had outstanding games with Kosta winning the man-of-the-match award," he said.

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