The Wellington Phoenix were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets when skipper Alex Rufer missed a penalty in stoppage time of the men’s A-League match.
The point was still enough to help the Phoenix regain the lead of the table but they now need rivals Central Coast Mariners to drop points in their final two games if the New Zealand club is to take the Premiers Plate.
In wet conditions, the Jets took the lead in the first half when Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen turned a shot into his own net.
Top goalscorer Kosta Barbarouses levelled for the Nix with a header in the 71st minute.
The Phoenix had their chance to take all three points when they were awarded a penalty in added time. However captain Rufer blasted his shot off the outside of the goalpost.
Main photo: The Jets handle the ball in their area, leading to the late penalty.
Match highlights
Result
Game played on Friday April 19, 2024
Newcastle Jets 1 (own goal 15′)
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Kosta Barbarouses 71′)
Standings
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