24 Dec 2011

Phoenix bounce back with impressive win

12:57 pm on 24 December 2011

The Wellington Phoenix have climbed to outright fifth on the A-league ladder after crushing the Newcastle Jets 5-2 with a stunning display of attacking football at Westpac Stadium.

The home side dominated possession and territory in their final home game of the year leaving the Jets winless in 15 games at Westpac Stadium.

Midfielder Dani Sanchez scored twice in the first half with Chris Greenacre adding the third before striker Mirjan Pavlovic bagged a second half brace to put the game beyond doubt.

Coach Ricki Herbert was pleased with the way his side bounced back from last weekend's 3-1 loss to the Victory.

The Phoenix now head to Adelaide for their final game of 2011 on December the 30th.

Also Friday night the Melbourne Heart upstaged the star power of the Victory's Harry Kewell as they scored a 3-2 derby win in front of a record A-League crowd of 26,579 at AAMI Park, while Central Coast cemented their place at the top of the table with a 3-1 win over Perth at Nib Stadium.