The Wellington Phoenix women extended their unbeaten streak to three matches after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory in their sixth-round A-League match.
Trailing after a second-half penalty, the Phoenix equalised in the 90th minute through substitute Manaia Elliott, who headed home Emma Main’s precise cross.
Despite having less than a third of possession in the first half, the Phoenix defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Carolina Vilão making several crucial saves.
Head coach Paul Temple praised the team’s disciplined performance, particularly their ability to execute a counter-attacking game plan and adapt effectively with late substitutions.
This result marks a historic first point for the Phoenix women in Victoria and highlights their growing resilience. Remaining eighth on the ladder but just one point outside the top six, Temple emphasised the significance of this performance as a turning point for the team.
He lauded their character in recovering from a deficit and dominating the final stages of the match. The Phoenix now prepare for a challenging encounter next Saturday against reigning champions Sydney FC at Porirua Park.
Recap
Wellington Phoenix:
39. Carolina Vilão (GK), 3. Tiana Jaber, 4. Mackenzie Barry, 5. Alivia Kelly (11. Manaia Elliott 83rd), 6. Maya McCutcheon, 7. Grace Jale, 9. Olivia Fergusson (20. Emma Main 65th), 10. Alyssa Whinham (14. Mebae Tanaka 65th), 15. Daisy Brazendale (2. Zoe McMeeken 65th), 16. Annalie Longo (C), 21. Lara Wall.
Unused substitutes: 13. Brooke Neary (GK).
Melbourne Victory:
50. Courtney Newbon (GK), 2. Eloise Wilson, 3. Claudia Bunge, 6. Beattie Goad, 8. Alana Murphy, 10. Alex Chidiac, 11. Nicki Flannery, 15. Emily Gielnik, 18. Kayla Morrison (C), 23. Rachel Lowe (13. Sara D’Appolonia 88th), 66. Alana Jancevski (7. Ella O’Grady 79th).
Unused substitutes: 61. Geo Candy (GK), 22. Ava Briedis, 24. Laura Pickett.
Goals:
66. Alana Jancevski (Melbourne Victory) – 51st pen
11. Manaia Elliott (Wellington Phoenix) – 90th
Cards:
11. Manaia Elliott (Wellington Phoenix) – yellow – 84th
