Wellington Phoenix’s Hyundai A-League Finals hopes are hanging by a thread following a 1-1 draw with league-leaders Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.
A last-gasp strike from Michael McGlinchey rescued a point for the hosts after a second half penalty from Bobo looked to have sealed all three points for Sydney FC.
The Phoenix enjoyed the better of the opening stanza and went close on two occasions with powerful strikes from Roy Krishna forcing Danny Vukovic into a pair of smart saves.
Sydney grew into the contest after the break and began to dictate proceedings with Alex Brosque, Bobo and Rhyan Grant all fashioning clear-cut chances.Â
The turning point came with just over 20 minutes remaining after a VAR review ruled Phoenix defender Marco Rossi handled the ball inside the area, with Sydney FC striker Bobo scoring the ensuing penalty.
The Sky Blues continued to press and should have sealed the result just five minutes later with Alex Brosque rattling the cross bar from point blank range.
Wellington threw numbers forward in the dying stages and grabbed a deserved equaliser in stoppage time with Michael McGlinchey on hand to fire home a loose ball.
The Phoenix remain three points behind sixth-placed Perth and will need the Glory to lose at home to the Roar on Saturday night for their season to remain alive.Â
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GOALS
0-1 Sydney FC: Bobo, 72’
Sydney were awarded a penalty via the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) following a Phoenix handball, with Bobo calmly stepping up to send Lewis Italiano the wrong way from the spot.
1-1 Wellington Phoenix: Michael McGlinchey, 90’+2
Kosta Barbarouses fired a ball across the face of goal which was knocked into the path of McGlinchey who bundled the ball home from close range.Â
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