Source: Radio New Zealand
Manjrekar James, goalscorer for the Wellington Phoenix, in the team’s 1-1 draw with Adelaide United, on March 6th 2026. www.photosport.nz
Interim Wellington Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre is praising his players for grinding out a 1-1 draw with Adelaide in their latest A-League match.
The match was the second in charge for Greenacre, and the team’s first competition point since he took over from Giancarlo Italiano, but they remain second-to-last on the table, just one point above current cellar-dwellers Western Sydney Wanderers.
Manjrekar James scored the Phoenix’s goal after getting the last touch on a set piece 10 minutes out from halftime, before Adelaide equalised 10 minutes into the second half.
A solid defensive effort then followed from the Phoenix. claiming just their sixth draw in 28 visits to South Australia.
“My players, they were like warriors tonight,” said Greenacre.
“They dug in right to the death. Full credit to Adelaide. They’re a good team. One of the form teams, they play a lovely brand of football [and] we always knew it was going to be difficult.
“We had a couple of opportunities late in the game, could have maybe turned things differently… it wasn’t to be, but it’s a point in the right direction for us.”
Greenacre made one enforced change to his starting lineup from the side that lost to Sydney FC, with Ifeanyi Eze returning from suspension in place of Alex Rufer, who himself served a one-match suspension.
The Phoenix took the lead in the 35th minute when Piper headed a pinpoint free kick, off James, and into the back of the net.
Luka Jovanovic was Adelaide’s goal scorer, blasting into the roof of the net, after cutting inside James and beating keeper Josh Oluwayemi.
The Wellington Phoenix will make the long trip home today, before turning their attention to next Saturday’s match at home, against Perth Glory.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand