Serb’s strike secures draw

SERBIAN playmaker Matija Ljujic’s second-half thunderbolt has secured a fighting 1-1 A-League home draw for Wellington Phoenix against Western Sydney at Westpac Stadium.

The Wanderers led yesterday’s clash 1-0 at half-time, courtesy of a Brendon Santalab volley, but Ljujic’s 75thminute strike levelled the scores in a match which finished frantically as both teams hunted the win.

Coach Darije Kalezic introduced twin new signings Nathan Burns and Ljujic at halftime, and the duo sparked a Phoenix revival — in contrast to their pedestrian opening term.

Since losing 5-0 early last month to Sydney FC, the Wanderers have collected 11 points from a possible 18, and are well on the way to consolidating their position inside the top six.