14 Mar 2010

Phoenix coach delighted with his players despite controversial finals loss

10:43 am on 14 March 2010

The Wellington Phoenix football coach couldn't contain his frustration as his side went down 4-2 to Sydney FC in a controversial A-league major semi-final last night, but says he's more than proud of his players who most had written off as contenders for the wooden spoon.

The do or die semi was locked up at 1-all nearing halftime before a flagrant hand-ball goal gave the Sky Blues the momentum and a 2-1 lead.

The Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert was fuming at the referee for missing the infringement but says his side has proved all the doubters wrong in their run towards the grand final.