The Wellington Phoenix cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory over the Newcastle Jets in their A League clash.
The home side took the lead in the third minute when Jeremy Brockie lifted a cross into the box from the right, and Nathan Burns was on hand to fire the ball past Mark Birighitti from close range.
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The Jets nearly found an equaliser when Andrew Hoole weaved his way past three defenders into the box, but he failed to direct his effort on target as his strike hit the side-netting.
Wellington doubled their lead just before the break when Burns broke away and was one-on-one with Birighitti. The keeper saved his first effort, but the rebound fell kindly for the striker to slot the ball home.
In the second half, the Phoenix effectively secured their victory when Burns turned provider for Michael McGlinchey, who fired the ball into the top corner, leaving Birighitti with no chance.
Newcastle nearly got a goal back when Jeronimo Neumann raided forward, but just as he was about to pull the trigger, Andrew Durante won the ball with an inch-perfect challenge.
The Jets did get a consolation goal as Scott Neville lifted a cross into area which was headed home by Joel Griffiths.
However, Wellington restored their three-goal advantage in the dying seconds when Alex Gorrin's free kick was nodded into the net by Durante.
Simon Sinclair
