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Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
Phoenix defender Louis Fenton, center, celebrates after scoring a late draw against the Wanderers.
Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay has praised his injury-ravaged team for digging deep to clinch a hard-fought point against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Wollongong on Sunday.
Talay made five changes to his starting eleven after injuries and suspension wrecked his team after last weekend’s loss to A-League leaders Central Coast Mariners.
But Phoenix put in a brave performance to secure a 2-2 draw after defender Louis Fenton tied with a looped header in the 79th minute.
“At the end of the day, I don’t really care who scores, but I’m sure Louis will be excited about that tie,” said Talay.
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“The players who arrived today did a good job. Tactically we prepared well, we could have executed better and I am disappointed with the way we fit in, especially with the first goal, but I am very satisfied with the performance of the boys.
“Hopefully the boys are confident in this game. We have some injuries and the players have had opportunities and when the players have opportunities it is time for them to step forward, and that is when footballers are born ”.
Phoenix made the perfect start to Sunday’s game, opening the scoring within the first 10 minutes through forward Mirza Muratovic after an exquisite pass from captain Ulises Dávila, who was once again hailed by a group of Mexican fans who the club had bused to the WIN Stadium. .
But the fit Wanderers got under way in the second half, scoring twice in six minutes through Kwame Yeboah and Bruce Kamau before Fenton rose to direct Alex Rufer’s header through the goal on goalkeeper Daniel. Margush after a set piece.
Fenton and Muratovic were among the five changes made to the starting lineup, and Talay also gave a starting debut to center back Liam McGing, with whom he teamed up with Tim Payne.
Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
Phoenix captain Ulises Dávila is crushed in a doorway.
Ben Waine joined Muratovic up front in the absence of David Ball and Tomer Hemed, while Talay also made a bold “tactical” change by dropping goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic and starting long-term substitute Oli Sail.
Waine hit the back of the net moments after the Wanderers draw, but the New Zealand Under-20 international was denied what would have been a popular goal after falling into an offside position.
The Phoenix will look to build on Sunday’s encouraging result when they travel out of New South Wales for the first time this season to play at the bottom of the Melbourne Victory table on Wednesday.
“Every game is key at this stage,” Talay said. “We always prepare to get three points and the same wish will be there on Wednesday night. For us, we just have to look at play by game and make sure we get by with what we are trying to achieve at the end of the day. “
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Mirza Muratovic 9 ‘, Louis Fenton 79’) Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Kwame Yeboah 71 ‘, Bruce Kamau 77’)
HT: 1-0
