Southern took on the Wellington Pheonix Reserves on Sunday at Sunnyvale Park, where a rainy night left a slick surface for the game. Pheonix started the better of the two sides as they kept possession for large parts of the first half without really threatening. Southern grew into the game somewhat and started to create some chances.

On the 20 minute mark, Conor McDonald capitalised on an error from the Pheonix keeper to finish into an empty net. Pheonix equalised on the 39th minute through a cross into the box that wasn't dealt with by Southern. The home side reacted well to the Pheonix equaliser by taking the lead again on the 41st minute of the game. Southern went into half time a goal ahead after an inconsistent first half performance.

In the second half, Pheonix looked to keep possession like they had in the first half. It was a feisty encounter that had a lot of tackles, with both teams being aggressive in their challenges. On the 53rd minute, Conor McDonald got his second yellow of the game for only his second foul and headed for the dressing room.

This was the turning point in the game that made it very difficult for Southern after that. The away side began to stamp authority on the game, making use of the extra man. They created more and more chances and eventually equalised on the 66th minute. Liam Little was called into action several more times before the end of the game and while Southern managed to carve out a couple of chances of their own, the game finished 2-2.

Southern United

Sunnyvale Park

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Location

Team Sponsors