The Wellington Phoenix have toppled the newly crowned champions of Asia, earning a 1-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers in their A-League football clash in Wellington on Friday night.
Nathan Burns Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A 79th minute strike from Nathan Burns off a cross from substitute Roy Krishna, after great work in the midfield by Roly Bonevacia, sealed the win for the home side against a tired looking Wanderers side, who had just returned from winning the Asian Champions League final in Saudi Arabia last weekend.
New Phoenix signing Michael McGlinchey missed a late penalty which would have put the result beyond doubt, but the solitary goal was enough to lift them into the top four on the A-League ladder and two points off the leaders Sydney FC.
Their next match is away at Adelaide United next weekend.
But wingback Louis Fenton had to leave the field with yet another shoulder injury - a dislocation to his previously unhurt left shoulder - and he'll miss the upcoming All Whites internationals against China and Thailand.