The Wellington Phoenix will stay top of the men’s A-League after Round 13, thanks to a last gasp 1-1 draw with second-placed Melbourne Victory.
The game at Sky Stadium was drama-laden with the Phoenix playing half the game with 10 men after New Zealand international Tim Payne was red-carded late in the first half.
Under the pump for most of the second half, the home side repelled repeated attacks from Victory until the visitors went ahead with 10 minutes to go.
The Phoenix staged a late comeback and were rewarded with a penalty in added time, coolly netted by skipper Alex Rufer.
READ MORE: 10-man Phoenix rescue point as captain keeps his cool from the penalty spot >>>>
Match highlights
Result
Game played on Friday January 19, 2024
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Alex Rufer 90+5′ pen)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Connor Chapman 79′)
Standings
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