Phoenix shot down by high-flying Jets

A much improved second half couldn't make up for a lacklustre first 45 minutes as the Wellington Phoenix went down 2-1 to the Newcastle Jets in their Hyundai A-League 2007/08 round eight match tonight.



Missing five players on international duty, the Phoenix were off the pace in the opening stanza at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle and were made the pay the price.



James Holland, called into the Jets' squad on a short-term contract just 36 hours earlier, opened the home side's account 14 minutes in.



Noel Spencer's long ball found Joel Griffiths open on the left, the Jets striker having time to weigh his options before sending a low cross to Holland in front of goal. The Australian Institute of Sport player made no mistake with his first-time strike, crashing the ball past Phoenix keeper Glen Moss into the top right corner of the net.



Wellington should have levelled the sores from the restart, Michael Ferrante breaking the Jets' defensive line but pushing his low shot wide with just keeper Ante Covic to beat.



Griffiths doubled Newcastle's lead late in the half when he latched on to Tarek Elrich's pinpoint through-ball and slipped his shot past Moss.



Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, who had made a last-minute dash across the Tasman after being in camp with the All Whites, brought Ahmad Elrich on after the break to inject some speed and creativity.



And the Phoenix had the better of the second half, creating several chances but unable to find the crucial final touches needed.



The Jets were fortunate to finish the match with 11 men after defender Stephen Laybutt clumsily tripped Vaughan Coveny on the edge of the box in the 52nd minute as the Phoenix striker surged past him and into a clear position to shoot past Covic.



But the referee deemed the ugly challenge warranted only a yellow card and the veteran defender stayed on, with Ahmad Elrich's subsequent free kick sailing harmlessly wide.



Newcastle were content to stay back and defended their lead as the clock ran down, occasionally breaking on quick counter-attacks as the Phoenix threw everyone forward in search of goals.



Tarek Elrich almost added a third for Newcastle, the impressive wing dribbling into the Phoenix's box before smashing his shot into the right-hand post.



Holland was denied his double by a terrific Moss save in the 69th minute, the chance again coming from a Jets fast-break.



The Jets' best chance in the second half fell to Denni, the striker finishing weakly on an open goal after another sweeping counter-attack.



The Phoenix's strikeforce showed reluctance throughout the match to test Covic in goal, despite dominating territory and creating several chances in the second half.



Phoenix defender Steven Old grabbed a late consolation goal when he poked the ball in after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.



With two tough away matches behind them, the Phoenix now look forward to Sunday’s match against the Central Coast Mariners at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.



MATCH SUMMARY

Newcastle United Jets 2 (James Holland 16’, Joel Griffiths 40’)
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Steven Old 90+3’)
Crowd: 11,947 at EnergyAustralia Stadium

RELEASE ENDS