10 Aug 2009

Phoenix beaten by Newcastle

6:21 am on 10 August 2009

The Wellington Phoenix have been beaten 3-2 at Newcastle in their opening match of the new A-League football season.

They paid the price for a slow start, 2 goals down after just 22 minutes, the Phoenix got back on level terms before half time with goals from defender Ben Sigmund and British striker Chris Greenacre.

But it was the Jets who held their composure to snatch the three competition points through an 84th-minute goal by substitute Jason Naidovski.

Coach Ricki Herbert summed up his feelings toward the match in one word: "Gutted."

He says they were poor at the start and paid the price and to concede a goal with six minutes left isn't acceptable.

The Phoenix are home next Sunday against the Perth Glory.