North East Lajong Super Series: Wellington Pheonix win 3-0 against USFC

A-League side Wellington Phoenix FC from New Zealand started-off the North East Lajong Super Series Cup with a 3-0 victory against United Sikkim FC at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal, Manipur this afternoon.

Wellington Phoenix FC coached by Ricki Herbert, who also coaches the New Zealand national team, adjusted to the ground conditions very well and dominated most of the midfield play in the first half but could have had more goals had their finishing been a bit sharper. Captain for the day Paul Iffil scored the opening goal with a tap in off a cross before Thomas Doyle scored off a scorching shot from the edge of the box before half-time.

The second half was more competitive with United Sikkim FC holding the midfield well. Michael Boxall scored the third goal off a header in the dying minutes of the match to round off the 3-0 win for Wellington Phoenix FC.

For United Sikkim FC coached by Philippe de Ridder, newly signed Costa Rican Michael Rodriguez playing in the central midfield position had a good match while goalkeeper Tae Yoon from Korea made atleast four good saves.

Shillong Lajong FC are next up for Wellington Phoenix FC on Sunday, August 26 with the kick-Off time being 14.00 IST. Tickets are available at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium as well as from the Classic hotel, Imphal.


North East Lajong Super Series - Fixtures

August 24: United Sikkim FC 0-3 Wellington Phoenix (Imphal, Manipur)
August 26: Shillong Lajong FC - Wellington Phoenix (Imphal, Manipur)
August 30: Shillong Lajong FC - United Sikkim FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)
September 1: FINAL (Shillong, Meghalaya)