Phoenix 1
Adelaide 1
Wellington Phoenix midfielder Tim Brown will look back at last night's A-League scoreline against Adelaide United and wonder just how he missed three chances that would have secured his side the win at Wellington Stadium.
Brown should have given the Phoenix a flying start but his unchallenged header, off a superb cross by Daniel from the left, weakly slotted wide of the post.
He got his second chance in the 12th minute, but his attempt at a rebound from a Paul Ifill shot was at best an agricultural hack and was again wide.
His last opportunity, in added time at the end of the match, was probably a half chance but his shot was blocked by a defender.
The Phoenix had an enterprising first half with Daniel and Leo Bertos, on the right flank, giving the Adelaide defence a series of shivers with threatening crosses.
Adelaide nearly extended their lead early in the second half when striker Cristiano's shot hit the post only for skipper Lukas Pantelis to drag wide his follow-up. The second half was fought out in the midfield and neither side could retain possession long enough to mount meaningful attacks.
Ifill produced the lion-hearted performance he promised and covered lots of ground in defence and attack, while Daniel produced some sparkling touches with the ball.
But a four on three counter-raid on the Adelaide goal petered out tamely in the 80th minute.
Ifill thought he had scored in the 85th minute, as did the baying crowd of over 7000, as he finished off a delicately struck pass from Daniel. But the flag was up for an offside.
The Phoenix have now stretched their unbeaten run at Wellington Stadium to eight matches since October 26 with five wins and three draws, but they could well rue the win that got away last night later in the season.
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Paul Ifill 35)
Adelaide United 1 (Iain Fyfe 40). Halftime: 1-1.NZPA
