Phoenix lose again after penalty drama

The Wellington Phoenix were livid after a controversial penalty call proved pivotal in their 3-2 loss to Melbourne City last night.

The hosts took a decisive 3-1 lead at AAMI Stadium after Craig Noone converted from the penalty spot with half an hour remaining.

The penalty was awarded by Ben Abraham — refereeing his first A-League fixture — after Denis Genreau’s cross from the City left struck Louis Fenton.

The Phoenix fullback was initially relaxed, believing VAR would overturn Abraham’s decision but grew increasingly agitated when the call was confirmed.

The cross struck Fenton’s chest and the only angle shown on television replays made it unclear whether the ball then glanced off his arm.

But Fenton was adamant there was no illegal contact. Still fuming after the fulltime whistle, the 26-yearold told on-pitch interviewer Archie Thompson: “It didn’t even f***ing hit my hand — it’s f***ed.”

The result propelled unbeaten City to the top of the A-League table on goal average, while the pointless Phoenix remain bottom after a fourth straight defeat, all by one goal.

On the run of play, Melbourne City created enough chances to claim they were deserved winners. But Wellington took the lead in the 24th minute when debutant Gary Hooper headed in a corner at the far post.

City equalised in the 30th minute through Connor Metcalfe, then took the lead via Scott Galloway four minutes later.

Young midfielder Metcalfe got between two defenders to head home at the far post, while former Phoenix player Galloway cut in from the right to fire in a great goal from outside the penalty area with his left foot.

Wellington’s frustration was complete when Ben Waine scored his first A-League goal, tapping in a cross at the far post in the 93rd minute.

Melbourne City 3 (Connor Metcalfe 30, Scott Galloway 34, Craig Noone 63 pen) Wellington Phoenix 2 (Gary Hooper

24, Ben Waine 90+3).