Soccer: Young Phoenix force late draw with Auckland City

Phoenix coach Jonathan Gould. Photo / APN

A youthful Wellington Phoenix A team continued their run of bold showings with a last-ditch 1-1 draw with Auckland City at Kiwitea St last night.

It was a useful exercise for both teams with City taking the opportunity to play a number of key players who, for Various reasons, have missed games in recent times.

For Jonathan Gould and his Phoenix team - and with only James Musa as a player with first team experience - it was their third draw in the ASB Challenge Series following a 1-1 result against Team Wellington and, a week ago, a 4-4 draw with Otago United.

City coaches Aaron McFarland and Ramon Tribulietx welcomed the chance to play the visitors as it continued their familiar pattern of looking for midweek games as a meaningful alternative to simple training sessions.

Sean Lovemore had one early chance for the Phoenix but the first half was dominated by City who went ahead in the 34th minute when Spaniard Manel Exposito was brought down as Nick Branch attempted to push the ball away for a corner.

Exposito stepped forward and whipped his spot kick home.

It was the only time New Zealand under-17 goalkeeper Scott Basalaj was beaten. He turned in a solid performance with a couple of crucial saves.

When it appeared City would hold on and join Waitakere United as 1-0 winners over the Phoenix, Tim Payne popped up to head home five minutes into added time in a game in which all coaches went to their bench to give as many players as possible game time.