Phoenix comeback creates club record

AUCKLAND: The Wellington Phoenix came from behind to beat Central Coast 32 in the capital and set a club record of eight games without a loss.

The Mariners suffered another bout of redcard heartache as they suffered their 10th successive defeat, but this was among the most sour for Mike Mulvey’s lastplaced side, which deserved its 20 halftime lead.

But defender Kye Rowles being sentoff, 40 seconds after the break, turned the match.

It allowed Wellington to take control, extending its unbeaten

run to a club record eight games and keeping it in the top six.

Phoenix marksman Roy Krishna was the hero, converting two penalties to take his season tally to nine.

He won both of his side’s spot kicks, including in a critical moment when Rowles was dismissed for a push to his back when he was clear on goal.

Referee Alex King also had no hesitation when Krishna was clattered into by Jacob Melling 10 minutes later.

Krishna then set up the 65thminute winner with a slick burst and assist for fellow striker David Williams.

The home crowd of 10,186 could thus celebrate a milestone for skipper Andrew Durante, who became the first player to play 300 ALeague games.

The central defender com pared the performance with last week’s fighting 32 win over Western Sydney.

‘‘To come from behind tonight and win the game late last week speaks volumes about these boys,’’ Durante said.

‘‘It was extremely disappointing, the way we started, but the way we finished was just awesome.

‘‘We spoke about this game being a banana skin and it nearly was. A win’s a win and in my milestone game, it’s pretty special. I’m pretty proud of the boys.’’ — RNZ