Coaching Brilliance Propels Melbourne Victory’s Unbeaten Streak

Super-sub Nikki Flannery made an immediate impact, scoring just seconds after she was brought on, as Melbourne Victory secured a 1-1 draw against Wellington Phoenix in the Ninja A-League.

Flannery entered the fray and found the net a mere 45 seconds after her substitution, equalising Maya McCutcheon’s early goal that had put the Phoenix ahead just two minutes into the match at Porirua Park on Saturday.

McCutcheon notched her second goal of the season to give the Phoenix a bright start, but Flannery’s strike in the 61st minute allowed Victory to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

Victory currently sit in second place on the table, four points behind their local rivals Melbourne City after 15 matches, whereas the Phoenix lie in eighth, two points shy of the top six.

The Phoenix came into this fixture boasting four consecutive home victories, while Victory had suffered just one defeat in their last 12 outings.

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Paul Temple’s Phoenix started strongly in front of their home crowd in Wellington, breaking the deadlock in spectacular fashion through McCutcheon after only two minutes with a well-executed set-piece.

Annalie Longo delivered a perfectly placed corner kick, allowing the American midfielder to rise highest and head the ball past Courtney Newbon. This marked Longo’s third assist of the season, making her the leading provider for the ‘Nix.

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Victory missed a golden chance to level the scores just two minutes later when Sara D’Appolonia was denied by Carolina Vilao, who also made a stunning save against Alex Chidiac in a tense moment for the Phoenix.

Wellington concluded the first half with more shots and possession, prompting Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins to seek a spark from his bench as the second half began.

The seasoned A-Leagues manager turned to his substitutes in the 60th minute, and it proved to be a decisive decision as Flannery struck within seconds of her entrance.

After taking over from D’Appolonia, Flannery showcased her skill with a half-volley that sailed past Vilao just 45 seconds later.

Vilao was called upon again in the dying minutes when CommBank Matildas forward Emily Gielnik attempted to round the Wellington goalkeeper, who showed her agility by thwarting the effort and keeping the score level.