Wellington Phoenix 2
Melbourne City 3
The Wellington Phoenix have twice come from behind but ultimately emerged empty-handed in their latest A-League encounter, beaten 3-2 by high-flying Melbourne City at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
Wellington played their part in a thrilling match with foreign attackers Tomer Hemed and Ulises Davila scoring, but goalkeeper Oliver Sail was just as important, making superb saves just moments before each of his side's goals, as well as producing several other key stops as the Phoenix soaked up considerable City pressure.
However, he could do nothing to stop the eventual winner, Melbourne City substitute Marco Tilio heading home from close range in the 83rd minute to move his side into second place on the table.
There was far greater urgency from Wellington compared to their lethargic last outing against Macarthur, but as befitting a side high on confidence, City asserted their authority early on, dominating possession and making numerous entries into Wellington's penalty area before the constant pressure eventually told in the 17th minute. A left-wing City corner was met by a virtually unopposed Curtis Good who planted a firm header into the net from six yards.