Phoenix men let crucial points go begging

Victory’s Ben Folami (R with Phoenix’s Kosta Barbarouses during the A-League – Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne Victory at Sky Stadium,
Wellington on the 01 April 2023. © Copyright image by Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Marty Melville

The Wellington Phoenix failed to enhance their home A-League play-off hopes with a 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in Wellington.

Victory came from behind masterminding a scrappy win to take the three points in the capital as the Phoenix let several chances go begging.

With the Phoenix leading 1-nil at half-time, momentum swung the way of the visitors as they climbed into a 2-1 lead after the break with a crucial goal to French defender Damien Da Silva.

Earlier Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada put the Phoenix on the board in the 25th minute with his 13th goal of the season before Bruno Fomaroli equalised early in the second-half for Victory.

Phoenix keeper Oli Sail couldn’t hide his frustration after the second-half capitulation by his side, leaving them fifth on the A-League la

“We had plenty of chances. Ultimately when you’re dominating with possession and not taking your chances it’s going to hurt,” Sail told SkySport.

“We wanted to suck the life out of them and make them work for the ball back, but we just got impatient and a little bit rattled.”

The Phoenix sit fifth on the ladder with their next game against league leaders Melbourne City on Easter Monday.