In a dramatic turn of events, Wellington Phoenix ended their five-match winless streak with a spectacular comeback on Sunday afternoon, overcoming a goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against the high-flying Western Sydney Wanderers at Porirua Park.
Wellington began the match positively but found themselves trailing in the 22nd minute, when Bronte Trew seized upon a defensive mix-up to slot home her second goal of the season.
The Phoenix unleashed a barrage of chances before and after the interval, yet Wanderers custodian Sham Khamis was in outstanding form, thwarting their attempts with several impressive saves.
Nonetheless, Khamis could do little to stop the equaliser, as second-half substitute Mebae Tanaka unleashed a thunderous strike from within the box in the 75th minute, bringing the score to 1-1.
Buoyed by the equaliser, the home side soon claimed the decisive goal; English forward Olivia Fergusson, who had squandered multiple opportunities earlier in the match, found the net with a well-placed finish from inside the box.
This turnaround not only marks the end of the Phoenix’s barren stretch but also moves them within a point of sixth-placed Central Coast Mariners, a crucial step in their quest for finals football.
On the other hand, Geoff Abrahams’ Wanderers missed the chance to secure four consecutive wins, leaving them with a significant challenge ahead in their pursuit of a finals berth this season.
Seeking redemption after last week’s home defeat to Adelaide, Wellington started with intent, creating the game’s first opportunity in the 8th minute, as full-back Lara Wall saw her powerful low shot veer just wide of the far post.
Despite being put under pressure early on, the Wanderers nearly took the lead in the 20th minute. With confusion reigning in the Phoenix defence, Nix goalkeeper Carolina Vilao managed to deny Sienna Saveska’s fierce strike from the edge of the box.
Yet, just moments later, the Wanderers broke through. Under pressure from Trew, defender Alivia Kelly experienced a mix-up with Vilao, leading to Trew tapping the ball into the net with ease in the 22nd minute.
Responding well to the setback, Wellington squandered a golden opportunity less than ten minutes later when Emma Main shot over the bar from close range.
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Wellington then created two more excellent chances to draw level before half-time, but unfortunately for the home side, striker Olivia Fergusson failed to convert either opportunity.
The first chance saw the English player striking the post from close range when left completely unmarked inside the six-yard box, followed by her finding the side-netting after receiving a pass from Annalie Longo.
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Increasing the pressure in search of an equaliser, Wanderers goalkeeper Sham Khamis was forced to make a couple of crucial saves in the 58th minute, first parrying away an effort from Alyssa Whinham, then superbly tipping a follow-up from Manaia Elliott around the post.
However, Khamis was finally beaten in the 75th minute, thanks to a brilliant moment from substitute Tanaka. After taking possession of a loose ball from a Wellington corner on the edge of the Wanderers’ area, she took a touch to steady herself and then unleashed a powerful strike into the net, making the score 1-1.
Having fought their way back into the game, the home side went on the hunt for a winner, although Fergusson again failed to convert a dangerous cross into the Wanderers’ box.
Yet, the English forward ultimately made her mark in the contest, volleying home from close range in the 86th minute to set Porirua Park alight with celebration.
Desperate for a late equaliser, the Wanderers pressed forward, launching everything they had in pursuit of another goal. However, the Phoenix held firm to clinch a vital victory as they strive for finals contention.
To top it off, the Phoenix’s win secured them the ‘Sister Cities Cup’ – a trophy celebrating the enduring relationship between Blacktown City and Porirua, which spans over four decades.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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