A wet and wild match in Wellington gave us plenty to talk about. A dodgy deal from Western United didn’t pay off, as their Kiwi rivals ran out 2-0 winners.

From odd outfits to fantastic fans, here’s five things we took back home from New Zealand!

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MATCH REPORT: NIX INTO THIRD AFTER DOMINANT DISPLAY

Western United face fine for sneaky ploy

Western United announced the signing of Australian midfielder Steven Lustica around 3.30pm AEDT on Friday afternoon. An hour and 45 minutes later, he started in Western’s match against Wellington Phoenix.

The only problem? The club hadn’t informed the FFA that Lustica would be in the club’s matchday squad, leaving their opponents unaware. The dubious timing of the reveal could mean United earn a fine, according to NZ journalist Phillip Rollo.

Western United will be fined for fielding Steven Lustica. Although he was signed prior to the game and is eligible to play, the club failed to notify FFA that he would be involved in the match-day squad. — Phillip Rollo (@ByPhillipRollo) February 21, 2020

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Wellington’s class act

Speaking of surprises, Wellington Phoenix pulled off one of their own. When they emerged out of the tunnel, they were sporting a brand-new special kit. White socks, green shorts, and a vibrant purple jersey. It was revealed that the new look was in support of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF), and the match-worn shirts will be auctioned to raise money for the foundation.

Phoenix Manager David Dome said “Using the bold colours of the Mental Health Foundation symbolises how strongly we as a club we feel about the cause.

“Plus, we wanted this to be a true surprise for our fans at Sky Stadium tonight, so we took great pains to keep this one-off kit under wraps – right up until the players walked out onto the pitch.”

“We hope the fans love this surprise and that it encourages them to support MHF.”

Phoenix’s special kit. Source: Getty Images

Rain, hail, or shine

My personal favourite tradition in the entirety of the A-League comes from the Kiwi fans. In the 80th minute of any match they’re leading, Wellington’s fans remove their shirts – rain, hail, or shine. Conditions could hardly have been worse at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Friday night, with rain and wind pelting the home supporters. But that didn’t stop them.

After 15,000 fans turned up to watch them in Auckland last week, the exceptional efforts of their fans to strip off and party in the pouring rain was a reminder of what makes the A-League so special – the fans.

It's colder than a chilly bin in Wellington, but the @WgtnPhoenixFC fans don't care! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7ynFKMMexF — FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) February 21, 2020

Western United hamstrung by injuries – and that’s not changing

Western United has been significantly hampered by inconsistency in recent weeks, with enforced line-up changes due to injury wreaking havoc.

Their defeat in Wellington means they’ve now one just one of their past eight matches.



Lustica arrived and started immediately, just as Japanese central defender Tomoki Imai did the week before.

Captain Alessandro Diamanti’s return to the starting line-up against Wellington was just his second start in their last five matches. Dario Jertec missed three matches before starting against the Nix. No wonder things have been slipping away.

But if coach Mark Rudan thought his injury crisis was coming to an end, he was wrong.

An arm injury to Panagiotis Kone (likely a fracture) meant he was taken off after half an hour, and could see him ruled out for some weeks.

With Western United out of the six and continuing to slide, it could be terminal for their ambitions of making the finals.

At least goalkeeper Filip Kurto has been in fantastic form.

Stefan Marinovic nabs the first keeper assist in the #Aleague since 2015. 👏



MORE: https://t.co/kGpAdUiSou pic.twitter.com/VINU1VTk8d — FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) February 21, 2020

Marinovic’s magic moment

Friday was a funny old day for keepers. First former Liverpool gloveman Simon Mignolet managed to pick up an assist for Club Brugge against Manchester United, then Wellington’s Stefan Marinovic did the same against Western United.

The keeper smashed the ball long and the defenders couldn’t handle it in the woeful conditions, allowing striker David Ball to collect it and calmly chip Kurto.

It’s the first A-League goalkeeper assist since April 2015.

Sometimes the simple approach is best!