Phoenix shares points in seesaw contest
THE Wellington Phoenix have come from behind to earn a share of the points in a pulsating 22 ALeague draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers in Wollongong.
The game was highlighted by three goals in eight thrilling secondhalf minutes, with the Phoenix losing its 10 halftime lead to fall behind 21, before Louis Fenton’s equaliser.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay made five changes from the eleven that started last weekend’s loss to Central Coast.
It was Ulises Davila, who enjoyed a standout evening, and created the opening goal after just nine minutes. Receiving the ball 30m from goal, the Mexican turned swiftly and fed Muratovic, who did not have to break stride as he closed in on goal. While he was denied at the first attempt by Wanderers goalkeeper Daniel Margush, the young Australian had enough composure to neatly tuck away the rebound.
The visitors upped their energy levels in the second half and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Wellington held firm, soaking up pressure and creating the occasional opening itself.
However, promoted keeper Oliver Sail was finally beaten with 20 minutes to go, Kwame Yeboah heading home from closerange for Western Sydney. Not long afterwards, Bruce Kamau met a perfectly weighted leftwing cross to put the Wanderers ahead.
But the Phoenix bounced back quickly, Alex Rufer heading a precise Clayton Lewis freekick back across goal with Fenton rising highest to divert a clever header past Margush.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner, but points were shared.