Wellington Phoenix have rocketed from ninth to second on the Ninja A-League ladder after a clinical 3-1 win over Adelaide United at Jerry Collins Stadium on Sunday.
In front of home supporters in Porirua, the Phoenix ended Adelaide’s five-game unbeaten run, making the most of their chances in a match where efficiency proved decisive.
Brooke Nunn scored twice and Makala Woods opened the scoring as the Phoenix converted all three of their shots on target to claim the three points.
The visitors controlled much of the early possession and tested goalkeeper Victoria Esson twice inside the opening 10 minutes, but it was Wellington who struck first from one of their initial attacks.
In the 15th minute, Grace Jale played a long ball over the top for Lucía León, who got in behind the defence and squared for Woods. The American striker managed to turn the ball into the net despite the pass sitting slightly behind her.
Wellington doubled their lead just three minutes later. Woods turned provider, sliding a precise pass through for Nunn, who rounded the goalkeeper and finished into an empty net.
The Phoenix remained dangerous on the counter, with Woods firing narrowly wide and flashing a cross across the face of goal before halftime. Adelaide goalkeeper Ilona Melegh also had to be brave late in the half, diving at the feet of Lara Wall to keep the score at 2-0.
After the break, Wellington continued to threaten despite Adelaide enjoying more of the ball. Emma Pijnenburg shot just over the bar after a high turnover, while Wall saw a left-wing cross clip the crossbar.
Substitute Manaia Elliott was welcomed on midway through the second half to mark her 50th A-League appearance for the club, becoming just the fifth Phoenix player to reach the milestone.
Nunn sealed the win in the 86th minute, firing a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.
Adelaide pulled one back almost immediately through substitute Isabel Hodgson, but the Phoenix calmly closed out the match to secure the victory.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said she was proud of her side’s composure, even if the performance was not perfect.
“We were clinical and that is the difference,” Priestman said. “I’m really proud of the group and pleased with where we’re at, but we’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
The result lifts Wellington into second place on a congested ladder, with several teams separated by just a few points.
The Phoenix now turn their attention to next Sunday’s away match against the Newcastle Jets.
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