Wellington player Oskar Zawada headers in a goal. Wellington Phoenix vs. Sydney FC, Isuzu UTE A-League Round 20 football match, Sunday 12 March 2023. Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Wellington Phoenix capitalised on the home advantage to beat Sydney FC 1-nil in their A-League clash at Eden Park.
Prolific striker Oskar Zawada scored his 12th goal of the season to power the Phoenix ahead in the 21st minute.
The win claims a valuable three points for Wellington side as they remain on track for the A-League playoffs.
Sitting in fifth on the congested A-league standings, this latest win opens a four-point gap and some breathing space to Sydney FC who rank behind the Phoenix in sixth.
Above the Phoenix on the standings, but also on 31 points are Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers in third and fourth respectively.
The Phoenix's Polish striker, Zawada, is awaiting the imminent birth of his child in Wellington which he was able to put out of his mind on the pitch, he said.
Whether he can make the trip to Adelaide for the next match remains uncertain.
Zawada said there is a chance he will be there in the next round if his wife Patrycja Wozniak gives birth within the next few days.
The Phoenix play Adelaide on Friday night, with the team flying out of Wellington on Wednesday.