A-League: Clinical Wellington Phoenix thump Perth Glory for second straight win

Wellington Phoenix have cruised to a 3-0 victory over Perth Glory at Wollongong's WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

After being wasteful in front of goal for most of the season, the Phoenix have suddenly become efficient over the past two weeks.

Goals from Reno Piscopo, English import David Ball and Ben Waine were enough for the 'Nix to pick up their second consecutive victory. 

Perth dominated possession throughout the contest and thought they were in front after 18 minutes. 

Andy Keogh snuck behind the Phoenix defence, after a beautifully threaded pass from Neil Kilkenny, and slotted pass keeper Oli Sail, but was ruled offside. 

In the 29th minute, the home-side Phoenix made the Glory pay, when Piscopo put his side in front.

After a beautiful bit of head tennis between Alex Rufer and Clayton Lewis, Rufer found Piscopo on halfway. 

He went on a silking run, before launching a bullet that beat Tando Velaphi in the Perth goal. 

The Phoenix, playing in an all-red kit to celebrate their Wollongong home-away-from-home, extended their lead just five minutes later.

Perth were sloppy in possession in their own half and Piscopo quickly found James McGarry in space. He fired in a pinpoint cross to Ball, who smashed it home to give his side a 2-0 lead at the break. 

The second half continued where the first stanza finished, with the visitors dominating possession, but unable capitalise on any of their 18 shots.

In the 58th minute, Waine extended the side's lead, after a scrappy piece of goalkeeping.

Ball found space on the byline, before cutting inside and rifling a strike at Velaphi, who spilled it and Waine fired home at the second attempt. 

Perth almost responded straight away, but Sail produced an inspired moment, with a triple save keeping the visitors at bay. 

The Glory continued to huff and puff, but to no avail, and the 'Nix cruised to their third win of the season. 

The New Zealand side move up to 10th on the ladder, just two points off a top-six playoff spot, and can hunt their third straight win against Western Sydney Wanderers on March 15.

Wellington Phoenix 3 (Piscopo, Ball, Waine) Perth Glory 0