Phoenix stun competition leaders
Wellington Phoenix are within a point of moving off the bottom of the A-League Women ladder after stunning league leaders Sydney FC 1-0 on the road yesterday.
Centre back Kate Taylor fired home a left-footed volley after a Michaela Foster corner wasn’t cleared properly in the 32nd minute at Netstrata Jubilee
Stadium, and goalkeeper Brianna Edwards then made a crucial save with 15 minutes to play.
Sydney FC were without goalkeeper Jada Whyman and centre back Charlotte McLean through injury and were also missing their other centre back, Nat Tobin (suspension).
Phoenix coach Natalie Lawrence made two changes from last week’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar.
Emma Rolston came in up front for Ava Pritchard while Paige Satchell replaced Milly Clegg as a
wide attacker.
Sydney went close to taking the lead after 15 minutes when Edwards tipped a shot by former Football Fern Anna Green over the bar. From there it was the Phoenix who had the better chances, and Taylor found the net from a corner after half an hour.
It wasn’t until the 65th minute that Sydney forced Edwards to make a second save, a comfortable stop. When a subsequent Sydney attack left Mackenzie Hawkesby free in the middle of the box, Edwards came out to meet her and managed to get her foot to Hawkesby’s shot. She leapt for joy as the ball rolled out for a corner, which was easily dealt with.
The big moment
Edwards’ foot save with 15 minutes to go.
Best on pitch
Satchell had her best attacking display in a Phoenix shirt after being restored to the starting XI for the first time since February.
The big picture
The Phoenix have now closed within a point of the Newcastle Jets at the bottom of the ladder and will be eyeing their meeting in two weeks.