Sydney FC remain on course for a third straight Liberty A-League premiership after avoiding a banana skin in Auckland with a 1-0 defeat of Wellington.
After a nervy first half, Rachel Lowe’s second-half strike proved the match-winner for the Sky Blues over the luckless Nix.
Lowe scored just 98 seconds after coming into the match as a half-time substitute.
The clash of last year’s premiers and wooden spooners was tight throughout, and decided by a goal-mouth scramble.
On 47 minutes, Wellington’s defence couldn’t deal with a corner from Mackenzie Hawkesby, who produced a number of smart set pieces.
The Nix had three chances to head clear but instead Sarah Hunter headed the ball Lowe’s way, who turned and thrashed home.
The Sky Blues were worthy winners at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday, the first A-League Women’s match in Auckland.
Ante Juric’s side had more shots, more possession and were unlucky not to add to their tally in the second half.
Cortnee Vine, back from Matildas duty which included a stunning goal against Spain, was unlucky not to win a penalty early when Marisa van der Meer tugged her back in the box.
Before the break, Jada Whyman passed her toughest test of the afternoon, diving to her right to deny van der Meer’s header.
Juric’s half-time switch-up then produced dividends, and the Sky Blues looked to kick on.
Edwards produced a sharp diving save to prevent Lowe doubling up on 78 minutes, and the Nix keeper was soon airborne again to deny Vine’s curling effort.
The tight margin meant Wellington were still a chance, and Paige Satchell had a chance to nick a point in injury time.
Released clear from a throw in, she shot from a tight angle rather than cut back to Emma Rolston, and was foiled by Whyman before time ran out.
The loss means the Nix are now officially out of the finals race.
After another shocking season, Natalie Lawrence’s side are five points adrift of second-last Newcastle.
Still, there were positives for the Nix, with Claudia Cicco energetic at right-back and able to contain Vine, and Mackenzie Barry also solid at the back.
The Kiwis’ focus must now be avoiding a second last-place finish in their second A-League Women campaign.
