Wellington Phoenix are still waiting for their first win of the new Ninja A-League season after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park.
Despite the news Nepalese international striker Sabitra ‘Samba’ Bhandari was sidelined with a knee injury it took the home side just four minutes to break the deadlock; new signing Brooke Nunn received the ball on the right-hand side of the box before firing a low effort towards goal, which was adjudged to have crossed the line by the assistant referee.
Somewhat against the run of play, the Jets dragged themselves level after a clumsy foul inside the box from Mackenzie Barry handed Melina Ayres the chance to score from the spot, and she duly did so in the 23rd minute.
SATURDAY SCORES:
FIRST WIN: International’s breakout moment sees Sydney FC extend incredible 2,093-day streak
REVENGE: 100-game hero! Victory star bags milestone match-winner to thwart Champions in GF rematch
Nunn had a glorious chance to double her side’s lead early in the second half; however the English forward clipped her shot wide of an unguarded net after bamboozling the Jets backline before Jets keeper Anna Leat then pulled off a briliant save to deny Alyssa Whinham.
Jets substitute Kelli Brown was put through on goal late in the game, but blazed her shot high over the bar as both sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in New Zealand.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Wellington Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman spoke with Paramount+ after the full time whistle.
Hear from Phoenix skipper CJ Bott following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets.
