Wellington Phoenix players congratulate goalkeeper Alex Paulsen after his penalty save against Perth Glory. Photo: Photosport
Wellington Phoenix have notched their first win of the men's A-League season - with their 2-1 defeat of Perth Glory helped by a late penalty save from goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.
Paulsen saved striker Adam Taggart's spot kick to preserve Wellington's lead in front of their joyful home supporters, to add a victory to their opening-round 0-0 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers - a match in which the Phoenix custodian also impressed.
Goals in each half to imports Oskar Zawada and Bozhidar Kraev proved decisive after Perth created an equaliser through Mark Beevers with half an hour still remaining.
Former Phoenix 'keeper Oli Sail made a forgettable return to his former club, with his loose pass setting up Zawada's opportunist goal in the ninth minute as he lobbed the ball over the back-pedalling Sail.
The home side dominated the contest for the reminder of the first half and should have gone to the break 2-0 up after Kraev struck the post from a handy position.
Phoenix player Bozhidar Kraev controls possession against Perth Glory opponent Bruce Kamau during their men's A-League match. Photo: Photosport
Beevers headed home close range to but the Phoenix regained the lead in the 74th minute when Zawada's lay-off was finishing off in clinical fashion by Kraev.
Perth's penalty was awarded when Lukas Kelly-Heald's hand touched a cross but it didn't prove consequential thanks to the cool-headed Paulsen.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano labelled Kraev's goal "exceptional" and believes Zawada showed "great instinct" to score his.
"It shows the class that he has and that's something he built his whole season on last year. He has the potential to better that this year.
"I'd like us to be a little bit more consistent with the ball to give him those opportunities to score. It's going to take time.
"Today you could tell we were a little bit more attack minded and when it worked we made some really good opportunities, but we're still in our infancy with the way I want to play.
"The only disappointing thing is I'd like to see more fans, but if we keep winning and keep playing a brand of football that is exciting there's no excuse not to come."
The Phoenix remain at home for their next game, against the unbeaten Brisbane Roar on Saturday.
- RNZ