KEY POINTS:
Late goals in round 17 - and not just the one they conceded in their heart-breaking 3-2 loss to the Queensland Roar - threaten to derail the Wellington Phoenix's bid for a first appearance in the Hyundai A-League playoffs.
That late strike from Tommy Oar after Phoenix captain Andrew Durante had senselessly given up a foul and a free kick and got himself sent off, earned the hosts two invaluable points and cost the Wellington side two they could ill-afford to concede.
Now three, rather than one, points outside the top four, the Phoenix must beat bottom-placed Newcastle at Westpac Stadium on Sunday to keep their fading hopes alive.
After falling 0-2 behind to visiting Sydney FC inside five minutes at the Telstra Dome, Melbourne Victory clawed their way back to close the gap, completing the fairytale when Ney Fabiano scored the winner.
Central Coast Mariners also needed a late goal to complete their comeback against Newcastle. With the playoffs almost certainly out of reach, the Jets still attracted a healthy 11,413 to EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Central Coast, like the Phoenix, ended the game a player short when Dylan MacAllister was sent off by Kiwi referee Peter O'Leary four minutes into stoppage time.
Perth Glory too lost by a goal at home going down 1-0 to leaders Adelaide United who took the points with Kristian Sarkies' 41st minute effort.
