9 Oct 2016

Phoenix open season with 1-0 loss

2:13 pm on 9 October 2016

The Wellington Phoenix have opened their A-League football season with a 1-0 loss to Melbourne City at Westpac Stadium.

But despite the defeat, coach Ernie Merrick still found plenty to be upbeat about.

With four players on All Whites duty and another sidelined through injury, the Phoenix were always going to struggle against A-League high-fliers Melbourne City.

Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna in action against Melbourne City

Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna in action against Melbourne City Photo: Photosport

After a less than impressive first half from the home side, it was City that went into the halftime break with the lead thanks to an Anthony Caceres goal.

But early in the second half Wellington were handed a lifeline when City were reduced to 10 men after keeper Thomas Sorensen was red-carded for handling the ball outside his area in the 58th minute.

Although they created enough chances, the Phoenix were unable to score despite Roy Krishna's hard work up front as the lone striker.

Merrick said it was their poor effort at the start and end of the match that sealed the loss.

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Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick Photo: Photosport

"When they went down to 10 men we should have taken more advantage of that but we just lacked experienced players who know where the goal is," Merrick said.

"We need that attacking force - we missed that today.

"With more quality players, we would have finished off some of those opportunities."

That shortfall should be remedied next week when Kosta Barbarouses, Michael McGlinchey, Louis Fenton and captain Andrew Durante return from All Whites friendlies against Mexico and the United States.

In last night's other matches Sydney beat the Western Sydney Wanderers 4-0, while Perth Glory drew 3-3 witht he Central Coast Mariners.

Brisbane and Melbourne Victory drew 1-1 on Friday, while the Newcastle Jets host Adelaide United on Sunday evening.

- AAP, RNZ