The Wellington Phoenix are looking to turn frustration into women’s A-League victory when they take on leaders Sydney FC on Saturday.
Assistant coach Callum Holmes says their match stats show the team is performing well in many ways, but they must put together a winning performance.
He says frustration is the overall feeling after giving up a lead to draw 1-1 with Brisbane Roar last week.
“We actually had the most shots the team has ever had in the A-League,” Holmes told media.
“So to have 20 shots, 13 of those inside the box, and to only come away with one goal, after making a big emphasis on scoring goals and finishing those chances, was a bit frustrating.
“But the performance on a whole was up their with one of the best we’ve had this season.
Main photo: Assistant coach Callum Holmes.
‘The progression of the team is really, really good …’
“When you look across all the stats … it was the best ever in eight different categories like possession, progressive passes and forward passes.
“The progression of the team is really, really good and now it’s just that final piece and making sure in the last five games we’re taking advantage of it.”
On Saturday afternoon, the Nix start their final five-game stint of the season by visiting Sydney FC, who prevailed 1-0 in an evenly contested match at North Harbour Stadium less than a fortnight ago.
The Sky Blues sit atop the ladder after beating Western United 3-0 in a top-of-the-table match last weekend.
But the result has come at a cost with their captain Natalie Tobin suspended and fellow centre-back Charlotte McLean and goalkeeper Jada Whyman injured.
“When you have starting players out that are playing regularly it’s always helpful,” Holmes said.
“But you look at the players they may bring in at centre back and one’s just retired from international duties with the Football Ferns (Anna Green) and the other one has just come back off playing for Ireland (Deborah-Anne de la Harpe) so they’ve got depth in their squad.
“I think it’s going to be a tough game. We’ve got ways that hopefully we can capitalise, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Injury update
The Phoenix are hopeful back-up goalkeeper Georgia Candy will be able to return, after suffering a concussion on the eve of last month’s match against the Sky Blues.
“Candy’s got to tick a few boxes…same as what Betsy (Hassett) did last week so hopefully we can have her back.”
Club captain Lily Alfeld and midfielder Isabel Gomez remain side-lined with injuries, while defender Claudio Cicco remains with the Young Matildas in Kyrgyzstan.
Callum Holmes has taken charge at training this week with head coach Natalie Lawrence in Auckland starting her OFC pro coaching licence.
“For the confederation to put the pro licence on during the only professional team’s games is a bit bizarre, but for her to progress and continue as a coach it’s a really good thing.”
Holmes says nothing has changed for the team at training and he’s “in constant communication with Nat”.
“We speak daily – in the morning before I get there…we review the day together, and then little messages here and there.
“We chat a lot. She’s across everything. It’s not like I’m making all of the decisions. That’s not the case at all.”
Lawrence will join the squad in Sydney on Friday and will take charge of the team on Saturday.
Fixture
Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, 5pm (NZT)
How to watch
The game will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 7 and 9 in New Zealand and Paramount+ and 10 Play in Australia.
Past meetings
Most recent A-League meeting: February 26, 2023 – Wellington Phoenix 0 Sydney FC 1
All-time A-League head-to-head: Phoenix 0W, Sydney 3W & 0D
Squad
Wellington Phoenix
2. Saskia VOSPER, 3. Kate TAYLOR, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Marisa VAN DER MEER, 7. Chloe KNOTT, 8. Grace WISNEWSKI, 9. Ava PRITCHARD, 10. Alyssa WHINHAM, 11. Betsy HASSETT, 12. Brianna EDWARDS (gk), 13. Paige SATCHELL, 14. Michaela ROBERTSON, 15. Zoe MCMEEKEN, 16. Emma ROLSTON, 18. Te Reremoana WALKER, 19. Charlotte LANCASTER, 20. Milly CLEGG, 21. Michaela FOSTER, 22. Georgia CANDY (gk), 55. Corina BROWN.
Unavailable: 1. Lily ALFELD (gk) (injured), 6. Isabel GOMEZ (injured), 17. Claudia CICCO (international duty).
Credit
This story is published with the help of the Wellington Phoenix.
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