R19 vs Melbourne City | Sat 15th Feb | 7:00pm | Eden Park/SS7 · Yellow Fever Ngā Wana Kōwhai

theprof

Legend

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15K

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over 16 years

Global Game wrote:

theprof wrote:

coochiee wrote:

MetalLegNZ wrote:

Devere's passing was bang average last night on a couple of occasions and put us under pressure. I'd expect to see more pressing against him moving forward.

I watched Marinovich warm up, he passing and touch is very limited, especially when viewed against Sail who was bringing everything down on a dime and hitting 40 year passes with the outside of his foot as if it was nothing!

Was thinking the other day, I wonder how Sail is feeling. Been at the Nix a few years now. Got a couple of games when Kurto was out last season. Had a blinder I thought against Newcastle in Newcastle. NZ football have never really had a top sweeper keeper, and he could become one.

Marinovic from memory rarely gets injured. Didn't he play 20 odd consecutive games for the AWs?

Hard for Sail to crack any of the Aussie A League sides being a visa player, but surely he'd be a better option at Newcastle than Italiano - a club that were prepared to use a visa spot on Ridenton, and have little money. Sail would be cheap, and hugely motivated to grab the No 1, number one spot.

Just some thoughts.

could well be an option for next season for him, assuming Ernie stays at Newcastle. Moss retiring at the end of the season means there will be a spot as either #1 or #2 keeper.

Ernie was sacked by the Jets a while ago now.

so he was - sorry.

February 17, 2020 08:27

LG

Legend

5.6K

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23K

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over 16 years

Left Upper Hutt at 6am a drove up with a mate and his daughter. Good trip, only holdup was at Ngarawhahia. No traffic jams in Auckland. And got a park close to the station at Eden Park. After the game, left at 9:30 arriving home at 6am. Thanks Tom Tom.

Fantastic crowd this game and they got into the chanting. Well done Auckland, credit where it is due. It was a great effort.

The game was good, even if a bit scrappy at times. If possible, I'd love to see the same starting line up on Friday night. Hooper did a lot of subtle work off the ball. Steinman and Devlin work really well together. I thought the Ref was going to do a "Kersy" on us but left the cards alone in the second half. I thought the disallowed goal was good as the deflection put everyone inside but others have explained it earlier in this thread.

A great result ground out. Made the drive home even better. Thanks Nix and thanks Auckland, you both came to the party.

February 17, 2020 10:20

and 5 others

Marto

Starting XI

2K

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4.7K

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almost 17 years

Leggy wrote:

Funny when we win nobody complains about the ref.

Lets be honest here Leggy, the ref was very good this game, couldn't fault him. Whereas last week the ref was dire, wouldn't have stopped us losing but would have shaded the game quite differntly had this weeks ref been in charge of that one.

February 17, 2020 10:44 · Edited February 17, 2020 10:46

Nelfoos

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Starting XI

2.5K

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2.4K

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over 8 years

Marto wrote:

Leggy wrote:

Funny when we win nobody complains about the ref.

Lets be honest here Leggy, the ref was very good this game, couldn't fault him. Whereas last week the ref was dire, wouldn't have stopped us losing but would have shaded the game quite differntly had this weeks ref been in charge of that one.

And remember folks, saying that the ref had a poor game isn't necessarily blaming him for a loss (much as we aren't crediting King for our win). Sometimes, its just a factual observation.

February 17, 2020 11:02

valeo

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Legend

4.6K

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18K

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about 17 years

Napier Phoenix wrote:

Alf Tupper wrote:

Boro4eva wrote:

valeo wrote:

bennie99 wrote:

valeo wrote:

I thought we were a lot better 2nd half. A bit more quality from the likes of McCowatt and we would've have a 2nd.

McCowatt's first touch is very poor at times, he's gotta work harder at that if he wants to advance at this level.

But a pretty gritty performance especially defensively tonight. I think we are pretty tough mentally this season so far, which is a bit of a change from some past seasons.

That poor clearance from a City defender which went straight to him, in the box, with no defenders around him..and then his touch let him down. That sums him up at the moment. He's just not quite at this level for me; maybe he'll get there, maybe he won't.

Was that his game back in the Handa?..seems to me that he is just lacking touch most of the time and perhaps confidence to give it more of a go.

yes and the slagging off that he is getting on these pages is hardly going to help. And please don’t tell me that the players don’t read this stuff. Keyboard warriors are entitled to their opinions and express them but they might want to ask how they would feel if their work was subject to the same level of public scrutiny and very often harsh judgment. Sotirio, Rufer, Payne and McCowatt in particular have been subject to some pretty harsh commentary.

To me McCowatt looks like a talented player finding his feet at this level, rather than being a player that isn’t cutting it. You can see he has talent and while not faultless (and who isn’t at this level?) you can see he is not afraid to try things, his work rate is high too.

He's a year younger than Piscopo and I think there isn't a comparison between the two players in terms of how comfortable they look out there. Hope he makes it though.

February 17, 2020 11:38

newzealandpower

Marquee

2.7K

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7.2K

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almost 17 years

I have no doubt McCowatt has the goods to make it as a professional and be a valuable player in any A-League side if not above.

Piscopo is better, but let's not forget he learned his trade in Italy - and was even selected for the youth Italian national side, plus he played in Serie C when he was even younger than McCowatt.

The young lad just needs to learn to be more lethal and make better decisions in the final third. Other than that he has great technique, a good shot and an enviable work ethic. Also, let's not forget we paid a transfer fee for Reno so the focus will probably be on increasing his rating even further before cashing in over the next 12-18 months.

February 17, 2020 12:56

WanderingSheep

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First Team Squad

1.3K

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1.1K

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over 5 years

newzealandpower wrote:

I have no doubt McCowatt has the goods to make it as a professional and be a valuable player in any A-League side if not above.

Piscopo is better, but let's not forget he learned his trade in Italy - and was even selected for the youth Italian national side, plus he played in Serie C when he was even younger than McCowatt.

The young lad just needs to learn to be more lethal and make better decisions in the final third. Other than that he has great technique, a good shot and an enviable work ethic. Also, let's not forget we paid a transfer fee for Reno so the focus will probably be on increasing his rating even further before cashing in over the next 12-18 months.

I hope you’re right, as the evidence I’ve seen doesn’t point to it. He’s still got age on his side and if he’s being coached correctly, we should see some improvement. As I said, I hope he improves, but he does need to start making the most of the opportunities he’s given.

February 17, 2020 18:19

siac

First Team Squad

2K

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1.9K

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almost 17 years

Braved the Auckland bus/train system and took my 6 year old daughter who has no experience with football except thinking I'm a weirdo for screaming at the TV when a bunch of grown men are kicking a ball around. First live game I've been to in a long time, for various reasons, and it was a good night out.

Great idea to hand out kids the free Phoenix flags (not sure if they do that in Wellington)... little kids love that sort of thing!

Daughter was somewhat bored in the first half and I didn't think she would last the distance but by the end she was cheering and asking when the next Auckland game is - probably because of the donuts/hot dogs which were her self described highlights, but it's a start!

February 17, 2020 18:50

theprof

Legend

8.2K

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15K

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over 16 years

siac wrote:

Great idea to hand out kids the free Phoenix flags (not sure if they do that in Wellington)... little kids love that sort of thing!

they do, the kids and even some adults love them....... my son has brought one or two home for the last couple of seasons.

February 17, 2020 19:00

LG

Legend

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23K

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over 16 years

They were giving away back packs too. Something they started at the last game in Auckland and they do in Wellington. If you can get one dont say no. They are an excellent bag for school books. A BIG win win for the fans and the club.

Other items for the shop to consider. Pint handles, coffee mugs, fridge magnets all with the club logo on them.

February 17, 2020 19:10

AucklandPhoenix

Lawyerish

1.8K

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4.8K

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over 13 years

Lonegunmen wrote:

Left Upper Hutt at 6am a drove up with a mate and his daughter. Good trip, only holdup was at Ngarawhahia. No traffic jams in Auckland. And got a park close to the station at Eden Park. After the game, left at 9:30 arriving home at 6am. Thanks Tom Tom.

Fantastic crowd this game and they got into the chanting. Well done Auckland, credit where it is due. It was a great effort.

The game was good, even if a bit scrappy at times. If possible, I'd love to see the same starting line up on Friday night. Hooper did a lot of subtle work off the ball. Steinman and Devlin work really well together. I thought the Ref was going to do a "Kersy" on us but left the cards alone in the second half. I thought the disallowed goal was good as the deflection put everyone inside but others have explained it earlier in this thread.

A great result ground out. Made the drive home even better. Thanks Nix and thanks Auckland, you both came to the party.

I’m not sure if others did a similar road trip but if so hats off to them. Amazing commitment

February 17, 2020 19:17 · Edited February 17, 2020 19:18

LG

Legend

5.6K

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23K

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over 16 years

Getting all three points made it a great drive home. No complaints, naf all traffic during the night. I too am wondering if anyone else did. I had a spare seat too.

February 17, 2020 19:20

harrymc55

Phoenix Academy

620

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420

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almost 9 years

Oi Oi Edgecumbe wrote:

AMac wrote:

Thought Hooper was immense last night - great strength, quick feet and good vision and decision-making. He's clearly taken longer to get into his stride than people might have anticipated, but at least this is the point in the season where we'd like him to start firing anyway.

I think his team mates are still learning what sort of passes they need to give him to open up the chances. You can see him giving them feedback when their efforts dont work out.

Dead right. There was a time when Wihongi made a good run, shaped to cross the ball and hit a shocker. Hooper turned round and applauded him for the intent. Great attitude from a professional towards a player new to the team.

February 17, 2020 19:43

martinb

Legend

7.1K

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14K

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over 16 years

he'd just got Payne trained...

February 17, 2020 20:02

Mainland FC

Marquee

4.2K

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6.7K

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over 13 years

Lonegunmen wrote:

They were giving away back packs too. Something they started at the last game in Auckland and they do in Wellington. If you can get one dont say no. They are an excellent bag for school books. A BIG win win for the fans and the club.

Other items for the shop to consider. Pint handles, coffee mugs, fridge magnets all with the club logo on them.

"Wellington Phoenix - improving nation's literacy with every win"

February 17, 2020 20:17