Brendon Santalab scored a first half brace and Romeo Castelen had a blinder, providing two assists, as the Phoenix lost out 2-0 at home in a match that saw them farewell two mainstays of their side.
Santalab’s first goal came in the 31st minute after Castelen had worked the space well to pop up in the right place between Sigmund and Moss and strike so the ball just about trickled into the back of the net.
If there was doubt about the first there was none with his second in the 42nd minute. Once again Castelen was the provider and Santalab made no mistake with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
It was not the way ‘Siggy’ or Muscat would have wanted to go out, but it had to be as the Nix finished ninth.
Wellington Phoenix
Glen Moss – 7: An okay performance by the Phoenix number one. Made a few decent saves, and looked assured at set pieces. Could do nothing about the goals.
Vince Lia – 6: The Phoenix veteran who is yet to sign a new contract replaced Riera with ease at defensive-midfield. Put in a shift.
Ben Sigmund – 6.5: Such a tough final game for the Phoenix legend to take. He was his usual no-nonsense self, but you can bet he will be gutted he did not get a clean sheet. Was outpaced a few times and finished the game with a bandaged head.
Tom Doyle – 6: Struggled to deal with Castelen throughout but made some crucial interceptions in the second half to keep his team in it.
Manny Muscat – 6: The veteran defender will be missed – some sumptuous touches and good work going forward. Did well.
Roly Bonevacia – 6: Just was not his usual creative self and lost out too much. Needs more quality around him and should get it next season.
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Michael McGlinchey – 6.5: Got judged as MOTM by the Carlsberg sponsors but left the field early due to injury.
Blake Powell – 6: A muted performance by the striker. He did his job but could not force an opening. Always works hard.
Roy Krishna – 7: Still working his way back from his long injury lay-off. Some decent touches and close-downs.
Andrew Durante – 6: The skipper well alright in his last game next to Siggy.
Alex Rodriguez – 6: Consistent passing and all-round performance was decent without providing a spark.
Substitutes
Hamish Watson – 5: Replaced the injured McGlinchey. Little contribution.
Dylan Fox – N/A: Late replacement for Sigmund to give him his moment.
Louis Fenton – N/A: Late replacement for Muscat to give him his moment.
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