Phoenix win Indian tour opener

Wellington Phoenix have opened their tour of India with a 3-0 victory over United Sikkim in Impahl.

Wellington Phoenix have opened their tour of India with a 3-0 victory over United Sikkim in Impahl.

Paul Ifill, who was handed the captaincy in the absence of the suspended Andrew Durante, along with academy players Tyler Boyd and Louis Fenton scored the Phoenix's goals.

The margin of victory could have been greater but for a combination of great goalkeeping from Sikkim's Yoon Tae and some poor finishing by the Phoenix, particularly in the first half.

Ifill opened the scoring in the 34th minute when he tapped home a cross from Fenton. The second came just before half-time when Boyd lashed home a superb volley from 25 metres out.

Torrential rain started early in the second half which flooded the previously rock-hard pitch.

That, and several substitutions, upset the Phoenix's rhythm and it took until the closing minutes before Fenton headed home the visitors' third.

Coach Ricki Herbert was pleased to get the first game of the tour under his belt and was satisfied with the way things went.

"That was what we needed," Herbert said. "It was a level up to what we have been playing and they have plenty of pace so it was a good test for us.

"We created some good chances and our pace looked good at the top.

"It was also pleasing that six of our academy players got a run and that we got through the game injury free."