Wellington Phoenix 0-0 Western Sydney Wanderers: Stalemate at the Cake Tin

Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers have played out a scoreless draw in Wellington at the Cake Tin. The result means the Phoenix still remain without a win so far in season 2013/14 of the A-League despite playing a much more attractive brand of football this season under the leadership of Ernie Merrick.

The match was the first game at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium since round one. This followed the decision to take a few of the Phoenix home matches around the country to Napier and Christchurch.

Both teams entered the round with injuries to key players and were forced to field far from full strength lineups. The Wanderers were without marquee player Shinji Ono as well as Polenz, Spiranovic and Juric, while sitting out for the Phoenix were Jeremy Brockie and Reece Caira.

Although the match ended scoreless there was plenty of action to keep the crowd of just over 7,000 entertained.

Both teams worked the ball well over the course of the match and set themselves up with multiple scoring opportunities. However when they watch the replay of the game some of the players will be embarrassed by the shots they put on the ball, none more so than Carlos Hernandez who missed out on a great chance to get his first goal for his new club.

After a great set up by Stein Huysegems who split the defense, Hernandez produced what can be best described as a “shank” to send the ball wide with the goal practically open. Meanwhile the Wanderers will look back on Michael Bridge’s skied shot in front of the goal with 13 minutes remaining as their best chance at taking the three points home with them.

The keepers were kept busy at times with shots on target from both teams causing a few stretches of the arms but no team came close to scoring the match winner.

The result keeps the Phoenix locked in ninth place on the table while the Wanderers sit second on points difference over crosstown rivals Sydney FC.