Jamie Douglas at Westpac Stadium
Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United both pressed but neither folded in a pulsating Hyundai A-League match that ended in a 2-2 draw at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday night.
Before a 12,127-strong crowd and played in clear, calm conditions, the fifth round encounter really came to life in the second half after a scoreless first 45 minutes.
Goals from Diego in the 69th and Bruce Djite in the 78th minutes cancelled out Felipe's 64th minute header that had given Phoenix the lead for the first time in an A-League match this season.
But Phoenix striker Shane Smeltz's late glancing header ensured the competition points were shared.
The result leaves Phoenix winless at home after three outings at Westpac Stadium, having secured its first win away against Sydney FC last week.
But, on the balance of the match, Adelaide – still to register a win this
season - would have felt hard done by not to take at least one point from
Wellington.
Adelaide had the better of a scoreless first half, dominating possession and pressing deep inside the Phoenix half. But for some fine goalkeeping by Phoenix custodian Glen Moss the home side could have found itself trailing at the break – the visitors creating the greater attacking chances.
In contrast Adelaide goalkeeper Robert Bajic did not have to save a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes.
Moss was called into action in the 10th minute, diving to save a low free kick by Adelaide midfielder Kristian Sarkies from the edge of the penalty area after Phoenix defender Karl Dodd was adjudged to have fouled striker Djite.
Adelaide Travis Dodd – handed the captaincy armband following the match day withdrawal of Paul Agostino to injury - had a great chance to open the scoring in the 21st minute but his close range, centre field header from a cross by left defender Cassio beat Moss and the crossbar.
Phoenix midfielder Daniel sparked the home side's first real opportunity in the 26th minute when his left foot cross found Felipe in space inside Adelaide's penalty area. Felipe's cross beat Bajic and only just Phoenix striker Smeltz's head in front of goal.
Moments later a thunderous drive from Felipe just went wide of Bajic's right hand post.
Moss was again called into action in the 32nd minute when Adelaide's Nathan Burns headed from close range, forcing the Phoenix goalkeeper to dive low to his left and force the ball away from danger.
Adelaide continued to press early in the second half, Diego forcing Moss to dive as his shot went past his right hand post. Moments later Dodd missed with a clear header from close range after Cassio delivered a perfect cross.
Diego came closest to breaking the deadlock on the hour when his strike from just outside the penalty area beat Moss but not the goalkeeper's right hand post.
However, it was Phoenix that took the lead in the 64th minute when a right hand cross by Jeremy Christie found Felipe who headed between two Adelaide defenders over Bajic and into the goal.
Adelaide levelled five minutes later when Djite's close range header from a corner came off Moss' left hand goalpost and into the path of Diego who reacted quickest to head the ball home.
Burns saved Adelaide moments later when he headed an inswinging corner off the goal line with Bajic beaten.
Djite gave the