Phoenix skipper Knott after 5-0 A-League win: ‘We love that winning feeling’

posted in: News |

Wellington Phoenix captain Chloe Knott says her team’s first win has been coming for a while and “it’s only up from here” after their 5-0 drubbing of Canberra United at Sky Stadium.

The Phoenix put together an all-round performance, claiming a clean sheet and finding their touch in front of goal.

“It’s been coming for us,” Knott told Sky Sport after the final whistle.

“It’s the most amazing feeling. I’m so proud of the team.”

The Phoenix grew in confidence through the game, urged on by the Yellow Fever who were able to strip off their shirts at the 80th minute with the team 3-0 ahead, a celebration usually reserved for the men’s team.

*The fans show their joy at leading with 10 minutes to go.*

Knott said the team had worked on suffocating the Canberra team when they were in possession and “we’ve been waiting for the final third stuff to click.”

And click it did with Milly Clegg, Betsy Hassett (2), Ava Pritchard and an own goal providing the goals that gave the Phoenix their first win on home soil since forming early last year.

Remarkably, the Phoenix performance required players such as Grace Wisnewski, Mackenzie Barry and Paige Satchell to back up less than 24 hours after playing for the Football Ferns against the United States in Auckland.

Knott said the Ferns players had brought energy back into the Phoenix camp, and it helped.

“We love that winning feel and we just want more of it,” she said.

And the only blot on an otherwise near-perfect day?

Knott gave away a penalty for handball but it was saved by goalkeeper Brianna Edwards, who had been on the bench for the Ferns on Saturday.

“I’m so happy Brianna saved it — thanks, Bree!” Knott told the crowd, and her team mate, over the PA system.

Phoenix head coach Natalie Lawrence said the win gave her a day she would remember forever.

You can watch her post-match interview here: