Source: Radio New Zealand
Corban Piper celebrates his goal for Wellington Phoenix against Perth Glory. Marty Melville
Wellington Phoenix have given their A-League men’s playoff hopes a lifeline with a 2-0 home win over Perth Glory.
With their first win in eight games, the Phoenix move out of bottom place into ninth and, more crucially, just two points outside the top six.
Five matches remain for the Wellington side to build on this win, as they attempt to turn their season around, after the disastrous 5-0 loss to Auckland FC, which saw coach Giancarlo Italiano’s immediate resignation on 21 February.
Interim replacement Chris Greenacre enjoyed his first win in charge against Perth, with skipper Alex Rufer making a big difference to their attack in his return after suspension.
Locked at 0-0 at halftime, the Phoenix looking the more dominant team, but did not show it on the scoreboard.
Defender Corban Piper put them in the lead, when he headed in from a corner in the 55th minute.
They went further ahead with six minutes of regular time left, when Perth midfielder Nicholas Pennington scored an own goal, ending any hopes of victory for the visitors.
“We grinded and I think today was a very, very good performance, solid,” Rufer told Sky Sport.
The team had had a tough few weeks, but had adapted well to Greenacre’s approach, he said.
“Everyone put in a great shift tonight and [it’s] a massive three points.”
Wellington hadn’t won since 18 January against Sydney FC and they visit eighth-placed Brisbane Roar – ahead only on goal difference – next Saturday.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
