Jacob RICHARDS

Wilkinson was happy with the endeavours of his back three, Sean Liddicoat, Aaron Scott and Luke Searle, who he had put the heat on midweek for an improved performance. He had taken a gamble on starting Stafford Dowling, who was under a cloud with a foot injury, but was viewed as the Melville player most suited to the wide open spaces of Sky Stadium. Dowling was forced to come off at half time. In goal, Max Tommy made one stunning first half left-handed save from a header. Josh Galletly picked up a caution. If Melville hardly ever do draws, Phoenix are more regular with this their second on the trot.

Wilkinson said Cashmere’s 0-3 loss to Olympic helped put Melville’s previous loss in context, though viewed Cashmere as solid, experienced opponents this weekend. Wellington Phoenix 1 () Melville United 1 (Colloty 90'+1 pen) Melville United: 1. Max Tommy (GK), 3. Aaron Scott (c), 4. Luke Searle, 5. Campbell Brown (7. Harry Rose), 8. Liam Hayes, 9. Ryen Lawrence, 10. Jerson Lagos (19. Raheem Hunter), 12. Oliver Colloty, 14. Sean Liddicoat, 15. Stafford Dowling (11. Quinton Kipara) Sub not used: 20 Conor Jamieson (GK), 2. Braedan Quilter-Phipps