Phoenix in top four

The Wellington Phoenix have jumped up to fourth on the A-League ladder after beating the Brisbane Roar 3-0.

It is the first time the Phoenix have taken three points from Queensland in five years.

Ben Waine
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Phoenix left Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe happy thanks to second-half goals from two of the club’s academy products and a stellar goalkeeping display from captain Oli Sail.

After leading 1-0 at halftime courtesy of an own goal, the Nix took charge early in the second-half, with Ben Waine scoring his third goal in four matches before Ben Old found the back of the net for the first time in his fledgling career.

Sail then ensured Wellington secured their third clean sheet of the A-League season with a string of sublime saves over the final half an hour.

“I’m delighted for the boys,” Phoenix assistant coach Giancarlo Italiano said. “I thought it was an excellent performance [with] true grit.

“It was a very polished defensive performance. Oli was exceptional today. Credit to him for us keeping the three points.

“They did exactly what was asked of them before the game and if we keep going like that it’ll be a very good remainder of the season.”

The Phoenix have risen from seventh to fourth on the table and are now just a point behind third-placed Adelaide United, who have played three more matches.

“The excitement is measured because we have a high turnaround of games and it will put a strain on the squad in the next couple of weeks.

“But the boys are really pumped for making a run into the six.”

Italiano is now two from two as an A-League head coach, but is looking forward to Ufuk Talay getting out of isolation.

“I can retire now happily,” Italiano said.

“The whole experience has been great. I’m doing nothing different to what Uffie has put in place.

“He’s a fantastic coach, probably the best in the league and I just help him as best I can.”

Giancarlo Italiano was forced to make one change to the Phoenix starting XI, with key midfielder Clayton Lewis unavailable after suffering a serious ankle injury against Perth.

Sam Sutton moved into midfield in Lewis’ absence, with James McGarry coming into the side and taking Sutton’s place at left back.

Reno Piscopo featured off the bench, having sat out four A-League matches with a calf injury.

The Wellington Phoenix have little time to celebrate their victory with their next match against reigning champions Melbourne City in Sydney on Saturday.