2 Jan 2017

Phoenix settle for draw with Adelaide

6:29 am on 2 January 2017

The Wellington Phoenix had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Adelaide United on Sunday night, despite creating plenty of scoring chances during their A-League football clash at Westpac Stadium.

In difficult conditions on their return to the recently re-turfed Wellington ground, the Phoenix created a number of good openings, including an excellent opportunity for Kosta Barbarouses in the second half.

Wellington Phoenix striker Kosta Barbarouses.

Wellington Phoenix striker Kosta Barbarouses. Photo: Photosport

But a strong performance from Adelaide's goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic managed to keep Wellington at bay for the 90 minutes.

Phoenix were well on top from the outset and almost went in front 10 minutes into the match when Barbarouses picked out Roy Krishna's well-timed run, but the Fijian striker's header couldn't beat Galekovic.

The home side had another good chance to break the deadlock midway through the first half when Barbarouses struck a shot from outside the box that deflected, though Galekovic managed to tip behind for a corner.

Adelaide did create one good opportunity in the first half, but Wellington defender Andrew Durante was quick to close down Nikola Milesunic, who blasted his shot over the goal.

The Phoenix started the second half brightly and should have gone in front on 50 minutes when Barbarouses brilliantly combined with Hamish Watson on the edge of the goal area, but again the shot was saved.

Wellington pushed hard for a winner in the late in the match and in stoppage time, Gui Finkler delivered a free kick that Galekovic could only parry, but Adam Parkhouse was unable to get a clean strike on goal and the Phoenix were denied the three points.

The interim Phoenix co-coach Chris Greenacre said while he Des Buckingham were satisfied with the overall performance, they felt the team should have taken all three points.

Chris Greenacre's smile is likely to get even wider should he be appointed permanent head coach of the Phoenix.

Interim Phoenix head co-coach, Chris Greenacre. Photo: Photosport

"I think it's clear to everybody that we just didn't take our opportunities," Greenacre said.

"I think we had eight shots on target, 12 in total and when you create that many chances you have to take them and you have to be ruthless."

"Overall we take another point, but I think it's probably three points lost."

The Phoenix remain eighth on the A-League ladder, two points out from the top six.

- RNZ