Two goals from midfielder Roly Bonevacia, a well-taken goal by striker Blake Powell and a penalty save by goalkeeper Lewis Italiano lifted the Wellington Phoenix to a 3-1 win over the Wanderers in their A-League pre-season match in Western Sydney.
Wellington Phoenix midfielder Roly Bonevacia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
There was another injury blow for the Phoenix when goalkeeper Glen Moss jarred his neck in the warm up but Italiano stepped in and performed well.
Coach Ernie Merrick though was pleased with his team's performance, with several key players still to come back from injury.
"It was a very good performance," Merrick said.
"It was disappointing to lose another first team player in the warm up but Glen's injury is temporary and hopefully we will have him back for the Sydney game, but I was really impressed with the way the backline performed."
"Vince Lia slotted in between the two centre backs when needed and they were rock solid the whole game. Lewis did well to save the penalty and the midfield was outstanding."
"Up front it was good to see Kwabena (Appiah) having a good run alongside Roy (Krishna) and Michael McGlinchey was setting them up left, right and centre."
"Then there was Roly's two strikes which were outstanding, especially the first one. It is good that it is coming together well and that we are getting more first team players on the pitch."
"We put youngsters James McGarry and Joel Stevens on in the closing stages and they acquitted themselves well, as did Michael Ridenton and Alex Rufer when they went into the midfield."
The Phoenix play New South Wales Premier League side Apia on Tuesday and Merrick intends to give the young Academy players their chance to impress.
"I will save those who played tonight for the game against Sydney FC on Friday," he said.