A goal in each half from Louis Fenton and Alex Rufer got the result for the New Zealand A side with Roy Krishna scoring for the Phoenix in the second period.
New Zealand A coach Anthony Hudson said Sunday’s effort was strong with a number of the squad’s talented youngsters catching the eye.
“Today’s performance was very pleasing,” Hudson said. “The players deserve a huge amount of credit.”
“We had a young team out there with only three professionals, playing a new system and we scored two very good goals and created more chances.
“The team defended well when we had to and they gave it everything and showed some great team spirit.”
Hudson said the hit out has helped him move a step closer to firming up his squad for the early September clash with Myanmar.
“It’s helped me with a few aspects of selection for Myanmar but it’s also given me a few more things to think about due to some really strong performances today.”
The Wellington Phoenix had several chances on goal early in the game through Krishna and Kwabena Appiah but both were denied by ‘keeper Oliver Sail.
It was Fenton who opened the scoring 30 minutes into the contest for New Zealand A; slotting home a cross from teammate Joel Stevens.
Rufer doubled New Zealand A’s lead with a left foot drive from the edge of the box 15 minutes into the second half, Stevens again providing the assist.
Krishna was eventually rewarded for his efforts with a goal in the 73rd minute, making sure his second shot made it into the back of the net after his first attempt was blocked.
Midfield playmaker Michael McGlinchey had a chance in the dying minutes to extend the lead for New Zealand A, but his shot ricocheted off the cross bar.
Match Details:
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 New Zealand A (half: 0-1)
WPX: Roy Krishna 73’
NZA: Louis Fenton 33’, Alex Rufer 58’
New Zealand A: Oliver Sail (GK) (Scott Basalaj), Harshae Raniga, Thomas Doyle (Ben Mata), Andrew Blake (Logan Rogerson), Moses Dyer, Joel Stevens (Clayton Lewis), Michael McGlinchey, Alex Rufer, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, Liam Higgins, Louis Fenton (Jack Anderson)
Wellington Phoenix: Lewis Italiano (GK), Manny Muscat, Andrew Durante, Ben Sigmund (Ben Stroud), Vince Lia, Matthew Ridenton, Roly Bonevacia (Ruairi Cahill-Fluery), Kwabena Appiah (Tamupiwa Dimario), Blake Powell, Albert Riera (Sarpeet Singh), Roy Krishna
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football