The Wellington Phoenix team is keen on returning next year for more pre-season matches with Fiji.

Coach, Ernie Merrick says they were stunned by the performance of the Fijians, throughout their two-match series.

“I rate them very highly and all our players and coaches were saying they were much better side than expected and for a team that hasn’t been together for 3 years, that’s a good effort.”

Merrick adds the play-offs with the Fiji side was a boost to their pre-season preparation for the A-League.

The Nix drew 2-all against the Fiji Senior Football side last night while the Premier side defeated the Fiji Under 23 squad 2-1 at the Govind Park in Ba.