Phoenix claim first win

The Wellington Phoenix have put up a gutsy second-half defensive display to hold on for a 2-1 upset victory over Sydney FC at Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.

It was a tense night in Sydney for a game that certainly brought plenty of controversy, yet Sydney could not match Wellington's disciplined shape all over the park.

It was an action packed first half with plenty of end to end football and not to mention three goals, the total shot count was 5-4 in favor of Sydney.

The win brings Wellington off the bottom of the Hyundai A-League table and into a new era for New Zealand football.

Adam Casey got the home side off to the best possible start after only six minutes, receiving a long ball on the edge of the 18-yard box from Ufuk Talay. With only one defender to beat, Casey comfortably slotted home the first goal of his Hyundai A-League career.

Felipe had the Wellington reply barely 90 seconds later, first beating Socceroo Mark Milligan, before a 20 metre weaving run through the Sydney defence and a decisive strike past FC goalkeeper Clint Bolton.

The goal from the Brazilian import was Wellington's first outside their New Zealand home.

The game was set-up to be a high-drama affair in the 27th minute when Sydney FC defender Ruben Zadkovic forced Phoenix striker Daniel off the ball in the Sydney penalty area, and referee Matthew Breeze had no choice but to point to the spot.

After Wellington's first attempt at a penalty kick was disallowed due to encroachment, Daniel made his mark on the back of the net with his second attempt giving the visitors their second for the evening.

Sydney threw all there fire-power up front consistently throughout the second half but could not break down the sturdy Wellington defensive line.

Substitute Alex Brosque came out firing in the 61st minute with Sydney's best chance to equalise after hitting the right woodwork from directly in front of goals, much to the frustration of the vocal Sydney crowd.

Robbie Middleby had a goal all but wrapped up with ten minutes to play, negotiating his way down the left flank, and forcing Wellington goalkeeper Glen Moss off his line. But the keeper was up to the task and brilliantly shut down the shot from Middleby with his feet.

Tempers flared in the 85th minute with a clumsy challenge from David Zdrilic inviting a crowd of Phoenix retaliation, leaving referee Matthew Breeze with his hands full, Phoenix keeper Moss earning a caution for his involvement in the melee.

David Zdrilic had a last ditch effort for Sydney FC in the dying seconds, but his effort sailed only inches over the crossbar.

Sydney FC 1

(Casey 6')

Wellington Phoenix 2

(Felipe 8', Daniel 28' )

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