Wood make headlines in the EPL 

All Whites striker Chris Wood has continued his fine run in the English Premier League and received a number of Team of the Week nominations for his heroics for Burnley FC.

The 27-year-old forward found the back of the net twice in a 3-1 win at Brighton last weekend. He has now scored five goals in the Clarets' seven-win streak as they fight to avoid relegation.

The All Whites forward, who has scored 24 goals in his 56 A Internationals for New Zealand earned widespread praise for his performance.

Former England striker Alan Shearer, who featured him up front with Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero in his Team of the Week on the English Premier League Facebook page.

Former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp said in the Daily Express: "Wood was on target twice for the Clarets against Brighton, and has now scored seven goals in total against the Seagulls".

Wood was also selected by Sky Sports.com, which said:  "Unsurprisingly, the New Zealand international earned his first MOTM [Man of the match] award of the season with this fine performance."

James Dudko, from Fansided.com, said: "Chris Wood isn't as quick or skilled as many other strikers in the Premier League. Yet the 27-year-old hasn't lost his touch in the area, proved by the well-taken brace he bagged against Brighton.

"The New Zealand international was instinctive and decisive with both finishes. He angled his run perfectly from out to in to ghost between both central defenders and collect Ashley Barnes' pass over the top before sweeping in the first.

"Wood's second was even better as he swept a shot into the far corner after darting into the box from the left-hand side. It was an expert and composed effort from a striker enjoying a true purple patch.”

Peter Goldstein writing on Football 365 noted Wood had had five goals in the last seven matches, "plus a sixth wrongly disallowed for offside".

"Against Brighton he produced two very different finishes, a smash and a precise placement, and added the pass that sprang Ashley Barnes to a penalty and Burnley's third goal. His movement has always been excellent, and in recent weeks his partnership with Barnes has edged into Vulcan mind-meld territory. Go take a look at the first goal, where Barnes whacks it long with his weaker foot as Wood makes the run. [Burnley goalkeeper] Tom Heaton has rightly hit the headlines, but Wood and Barnes have been at their peak."

Phoenix remain in sixth place

The Wellington Phoenix are in contention for the A-League Playoffs as we reach the business end of the competition.

Former All Whites goalkeeper Glen Moss had a great game against his old team to deny the Phoenix a win in Newcastle.

There was late drama at McDonald Jones Stadium as Moss saved a Roy Krishna penalty in the 87^th minute to earn a point for his side.

Newcastle Jets opened the scoring against the run of play. Ronald Vargas danced inside the box and released a shot beyond Oliver Sail in goal to give his side the lead heading into the break.

Ernie Merrick’s team thought they were on course for all three points before David Williams finished low beyond Moss to draw level early in the second half.

Moss stood tall and saved the strike from Krishna in the closing stages to earn his side a point.

After a long stint away from home, the Phoenix head home, looking to their Round 19 fixture against the Melbourne Victory where a big crowd is expected at Eden Park in Auckland.

Stott shines for Melbourne City

Football Ferns defender Rebekah Stott has earned high praise for Melbourne City as they finished in a share of third place in the W-League in Australia.

The 25-year-old, who has scored four goals in her 67 A Internationals for New Zealand, was described as “outstanding all season” in Tribal Football’s W-League season review.

The experienced professional will be a key player for the Football Ferns as they take on Australia, Argentina and the Korea Republic in Australia this month in the Cup of Nations.

Yallop ties the knot

Former Football Ferns midfielder Kirsty Yallop has married her long-time partner and Australian midfielder Tameka Butt.

The couple, who are based in Norway, got married on Mangawhai Beach.

On her Instagram page, Yallop wrote: "We are officially married it could not have been a more perfect day even though it rained all day until we walked down our aisles ... We feel so lucky to have shared it with so many of our loved ones. Thank you to everyone for all the love & support. It was the best weekend ever."

Ins and Outs at Team Wellington

There have been some comings and goings at Team Wellington this week.

Former All Whites forward Hamish Watson has moved on from the team to join the Melbourne Knights in Australia.

“All the best Hamish on your new adventure,” said Team Wellington coach Jose Figueira. “Thank you for all you have given to Team Wellington and your personality on and off the pitch.”  

Meanwhile, All Whites defender Adam Mitchell has joined the two-time ISPS Handa Premiership champions.

The 22-year-old centre back, who made his debut for the national team last year, comes to the capital from Bolton Wanderers.

“Welcome Adam Mitchell to your new home,” said Figueira. “It’s always great to bring Kiwis back home - where they can also continue their development! I’m delighted Adam wanted to join and his excitement about helping the team strive for its objectives.”

Article added: Thursday 14 February 2019