3 minute read
A calamitous mix-up by Wellington's defence has given Adelaide the opening they need to beat the Phoenix 2-1 and go top of the A-League Men standings.
Adelaide United have moved to the top of the A-League Men table after defeating a floundering Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at Sky Stadium, maintaining their perfect record away from home in 2024-25.
Heading to Sky Stadium knowing a sixth win in their sixth away game of the season would move them a point clear of Auckland, the Reds entered the last 15 minutes on Saturday with their record under threat, with Matthew Sheridan's seventh-minute own goal cancelled out by Corban Piper's 50th-minute header.
But a calamitous error by the Phoenix defence opened the door for substitute striker Luka Jovanovic to seal all three points in the 75th minute, the youngster pouncing when keeper Josh Oluwayemi dropped the ball after colliding with defender Scott Wootton when he moved to claim a Dylan Perias cross.
It spared Carl Veart's side the blushes of being unable to capitalise on a first half in which they were dominant - with nine shots to their opponents' one - but failed to add to their lead.
Auckland can reclaim top spot on the league standings with a win over second-bottom Perth Glory later on Saturday.
However, the result ensured Adelaide will carry momentum into their Original Rivalry showdown with Melbourne Victory next Saturday.
Without skipper Alex Rufer, Marco Rojas and Tim Payne through injury for the contest, the result means the Phoenix have lost five of their past six games and, mired in 10th position on the table, are at risk of losing touch with the top six as the halfway point of the season nears.
There will be little time to prepare for their next challenge, with Sydney FC set to visit on Wednesday evening - marking the first trip to Wellington by former coach Ufuk Taley since he took the job with the Sky Blues.