By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A hat-trick by Jeremy Brockie guided Wellington Phoenix to a 3-0 victory against Shillong Premier League (SPL) champions Royal Wahingdoh in a friendly match, played at JN Stadium here on Wednesday.
This is Brockie’s second consecutive hat-trick on Wellington’s tour of the North East, with his first coming against Shillong Lajong during their North East Lajong Super Series match in Imphal on Sunday.
The black and yellow brigade looked stunning throughout the match and displayed a high quality performance despite resting the majority of its senior players.
Meanwhile, to the disappointment of the home fans, RWFC players looked to be under tremendous pressure against their more experienced opponents.
Wahingdoh were continuously failing to control the ball or to complete their passes.
However, the visiting team went into the lead in the 29th minute after Brockie’s shot saw the ball sail into the net.
Wellington could have doubled the lead in the first half, but they failed to capitalise on other opportunities. The first half ended with the visiting team leading by a solitary goal.
Within two minutes after the break, Brockie doubled the lead for his team after a powerful strike from outside the box went past RWFC custodian Saroj Pradhan.
During the course of the second half, RWFC skipper Jackiechand Singh got a golden opportunity to pull a goal back, but his shot went wide of the goal.
In injury time Wellington Phoenix were awarded a penalty after a striker was brought down in the box.
Brockie made no mistake from the spot to score his third goal of the match and to give his team a thumping 3-0 victory.
During the post match conference, Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said that he satisfied with the outcome of the match.
“I am very happy to see my younger players playing beautifully in the match,” Herbert said while admitting that his boys could perform even better.
RWFC coach Carlton Chapman admitted that his players were under a lot of pressure, but there are many positive things that the team can carry from the match ahead of the Federation Cup.
