Soccer: Late goal sinks hopes of Phoenix win

Dylan Macallister of the Phoenix controls a pass. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix extended their unbeaten run at home to 20 but wouldn't have been happy to concede a late goal as they fought out a 3-3 A-League soccer draw with Gold Coast in appalling conditions tonight.

Ahead 2-1 at halftime, and battling for the second spell into the teeth of a swirling Wellington gale, the Phoenix looked to have a win sewn up in their opening match of the competition until Gold Coast skipper Jason Culina hit home the equaliser in the 87th minute.

The conditions couldn't have been worse, with blustery northerlies and steady rain lashing the ground and both teams took time to settle. Timing in the tackle proved a real challenge and the water-logged pitch thwarted any effort to play at pace.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert sprang no surprises in his opening line-up, Dylan Macallister taking on target man duties up front with support from Leo Bertos, Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre. The defence also had a solid, experienced look about it, marshalled by the indomitable Andrew Durante and with World Cup stopper Mark Paston in goal.

The first real chance fell to the Phoenix after barely six minutes and they finished in deadly style after Bertos scampered along the goalline before slotting in a well-placed cross. Gold Coast's defensive clearance fell handily to Ifill on the edge of the area and he took a second to gain composure before slamming the ball past another All Whites goalkeeper, Glen Moss.

The game then deteriorated into a succession of free kicks as both teams struggled for continuity.

United equalised in the 36th minute when All Whites striker Shane Smeltz headed home a pin-point free kick from Culina.

The Phoenix wasted barely two minutes before restoring their lead, Greenacre latching onto to the loose ball after a Bertos corner ricocheted around the box.

The hosts went into the break a goal up, having made the most of their opportunities. Gold Coast had nine attempts on goal to the Phoenix's four but only three had been on target, while all four of the home team's had been in the zone.

The Phoenix rode their luck as the second half began, striker Joel Porter miscuing a sitter from close range, allowing a desperate Ben Sigmund time for a vital clearance.

Ten minutes into the spell, Greenacre picked up his second goal of the match, showing impressive control in the conditions to finish off another threatening Ifill ball into the box.

At that stage nothing was going right for Gold Coast. Smeltz found himself in a perfect position to toe a Porter cross past Paston, only to see it cannon off the woodwork and give the Phoenix defence another let-off.

However, their luck ran out in the 74th minute after Smeltz finally rediscovered his touch, latching on to another fine Culina ball to leave Paston sprawling.

The result was a vast improvement for Gold Coast, who had struggled to a lacklustre draw in last week's opening round match against Brisbane Roar and who lost last season's equivalent match against the Phoenix 6-0.

The win continued a unenviable Phoenix tradition of a slow season start - they opened the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons with 2-2 and 1-1 home draws against Melbourne and Queensland respectively, and began last year with a 2-3 loss to the Newcastle Jets.

Wellington Phoenix 3 (Chris Greenacre 2, Paul Ifill) Gold Coast United 3 (Shane Smeltz 2, Jason Culina). Halftime: 2-1.

- NZPA