The Wellington Phoenix football coach Ernie Merrick has hailed a breakthrough game for new acquisition Jeffrey Sarpong after watching his side earn back-to-back wins in the A-League.
Phoenix player Jeffrey Sarpong in action in the A-League. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Sarpong was influential during his 67 minutes in their 3-2 win over Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium.
"He showed what he can do," said Merrick of his Ghanaian attacker.
The Roar scored first, before Michael McGlinchey scored from a free kick, they then went ahead when Sarpong set up Roy Krishna.
Jade North equalised on the hour before substitute Blake Powell got the winner in the 78th minute.
"That goal he set up for Roy Krishna - he received the ball running away with the side of his foot, controlled it perfectly, took it inside, drew the defender and laid it on with perfect weighting on the pass. All of a sudden you think, wow, this boy's a good player."
Merrick also singled out left-back Tom Doyle for special praise after his best game in a Phoenix shirt.
"Since he came on as a substitute against Newcastle, he's got better every game. When Andrew Durante comes back it's going to give me the type of headache I like and that's the way it should be."
Despite conceding two goals for the second home game in succession, Merrick was delighted to chalk up a second consecutive victory.
"I thought the first goal was against the run of play. I thought we had them on toast. We've got so many boys now that want to score goals."
Sydney beat Western Sydney 1-0 to go top of the table by a point from Brisbane and Wellington.