A-League: Wellington Phoenix women climb to third with win over Brisbane Roar
Wellington Phoenix celebrate a goal against Brisbane.
Photo: Photosport
Wellington Phoenix have moved into third place on the A-League women’s ladder with a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Brisbane Roar.
The result completed a great day for football in the capital, following the Phoenix men’s 2-0 over Perth Glory in the earlier match.
The Wellington women controlled their match, creating far more scoring opportunities than the Queensland side, as they started their drive towards the premiership and playoffs after a three-week break.
Manaia Elliott soared over two rivals to head in a superb Brooke Nunn cross in the 10th minute, while Emma Pijnenburg tapped in a half-volley, after some messy Brisbane defence six minutes later.
The Phoenix led 2-0 at halftime and Makala Woods, who blew two golden opportunities for goal in the first half, finally found the scoreboard in the 73rd minute, with the decisive shot, after a melee near the Roar net.
Brisbane’s best three chances were thwarted by brilliant saves from ‘Nix keeper Victoria Esson.
The Phoenix are now two points behind competition leaders Melbourne City, with Adelaide United separating them.
They welcomed back Macey Fraser in the second half and play Sydney FC in Sydney next weekend.
Phoenix captain Mackenzie Barry said third was an amazing place on the ladder, but they still needed more consistency in their approach.
“We need to keep sharp through the whole 90 minutes leading into the finals,” she said on Sky Sport.
“Three-nil is a really good score and we are feeling really positive.”
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