Melbourne Victory Women secure a point after coming from behind against the Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park.
Jeff Hopkins made one change to the side that made the big trip across the ditch, bringing Alana Jancevski straight into the starting XI.
The game kicked off and the Nix were hungry to score right away, piling on pressure and earning an early corner.
Captain and former Victory midfielder, Annalie Longo whipped a dangerous ball into the near post and Maya McCutcheon headed in the opening goal just two minutes into the game for the home side.
Victory fought hard to reply and soon after almost did so through Alex Chidiac’s shot at goal, but Carolina Vilão made a smart save with her trailing leg to keep the Nix ahead.
Wellington continued their early momentum and threatened from set pieces, physically asserting themselves in the box.
However, Victory did well to keep the home side at bay while creating chances at the other end with space to exploit the Nix’s defensive line.
Chances arose for Emily Gielnik and Alana Jancevski thanks to over-the-top balls played through, but Victory were unable to fire back an equaliser heading into the break.
Victory remained unchanged heading into the second half, determined to find their way back into the game against a well-performing opposition.
Wellington continued to apply great pressure in attack and required great individual moments of defending from the likes of Rosie Curtis and Laura Pickett.
As Victory looked to have difficulties in attacking scenarios to begin the second 45, Jeff Hopkins opted to bring on Nicki Flannery and Holly Furphy right on the hour mark – a decision that quickly went rewarded.
Just seconds after entering the field, Nicki Flannery pounced on a poor clearance from the Nix’s defence and found the bottom corner perfectly on the half-volley.
This was a crucial moment for Victory to bring themselves back level in what had been a tough game in the heat.
Courtney Newbon made some strong stops to prevent the Nix from regaining the lead later in the half, notably coming up with a brave stop in a one-on-one scenario in the 80th minute.
Minutes later, Emily Gielnik found space once again in behind Wellington’s defence and came up against Carolina Vilão. Gielnik attempted to round the Vilão, but an excellent fingertip save from the Portuguese goalkeeper kept her side level.
Some dangerous corner deliveries by the Victory in the final moments gave the Nix some nervy moments, but the scoreline ultimately finished 1-1 in New Zealand.
The point enabled Victory to climb back to 2nd place in the Ninja A-League table, jumping ahead of Adelaide United while continuing to pursue Melbourne City at the top of the table.
Melbourne Victory will return to the Home of the Matildas in their next match – taking on the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, February 16.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 15
Wellington Phoenix 1 (McCutcheon 2′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Flannery 61′)
Wellington Phoenix Starting XI: 39. Carolina VILÃO (GK), 3. Tiana JABER, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Alivia KELLY, 6. Maya MCCUTCHEON, 7. Grace JALE, 9. Olivia FERGUSSON, 10. Alyssa WHINHAM, 11. Manaia ELLIOTT, 16. Annalie LONGO (C), 21. Lara WALL
Substitutes: 13. Brooke NEARY (GK), 8. Amelia ABBOTT (87′), 15. Daisy BRAZENDALE, 17. Ela JEREZ (74′), 20. Emma MAIN (74′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 3. Claudia BUNGE, 8. Alana MURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Substitutes: 62. Geo CANDY (GK), 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 9. Holly FURPHY (60′), 11. Nicki FLANNERY (60′)
