Finishing touch still lacking for Phoenix

OPINION: They've got the fourth best defence, the sixth best attack, a positive goal difference and have lost the second fewest matches in the A-League, yet the Phoenix find themselves near the foot of the ladder heading into Christmas.

While Friday's 1-1 draw with Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium was a breakthrough result – they had lost their previous three matches in Adelaide by a combined score of 13-2 – it did little for their position on the ladder.

They remain eighth and face a crucial match against Central Coast in Gosford on New Year's Eve. A win or draw would see them return home still in the mix, a loss and they would have to play catchup with time running out.

Draws – 10 from 19 matches – have been the problem and coach Ricki Herbert will again be reflecting on what could have been.

The first half was dire from both sides but the match came to life in the second. Alemao struck a brilliant opening goal for Adelaide before outstanding Phoenix substitute Adrian Caceres created a goal out of nothing with his first touch of the ball, beating two players before forcing an own goal.

But midfielder Tim Brown, who has fashioned a good goalscoring record this season, missed two golden opportunities, the first an open goal from six yards. Finishing has cost the draw specialists who must be more clinical if they want to feature in the playoffs.

Goalkeeper Liam Reddy was steady in his first Phoenix appearance, while Jon McKain and Andrew Durante had top games in defence and Leo Bertos and Paul Ifill had their moments on attack.

In other matches at the weekend, Brisbane beat Central Coast 3-2 and Melbourne and Sydney drew 0-0.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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