Wellington Phoenix stun Adelaide United to rise off A-League floor

Wellington Phoenix stunned Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, coming from a goal down to record a well-deserved 2-1 win.

Phoenix players celebrate after beating Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix stunned Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, coming from a goal down to record a well-deserved 2-1 win.

The Reds took the lead just before the hour courtesy of a sublime volley from Nikola Mileusnic, before two goals in four minutes from the visitors helped them to a first win in Adelaide since 2011.

Wellington put Adelaide on notice as early as the first minute when a looping cross from Jaushua Sotirio found Reno Piscopo, but his header was palmed clear by Paul Izzo.

Adelaide’s first chance came in the 13th minute when a Louis D’Arrigo corner was met by a Michael Maria header that was scrambled clear.

The Phoenix were awarded a penalty by referee Adam Fielding on the half-hour when Michael Jackobsen fouled Sotirio, but it was correctly overruled and instead a free kick awarded on the edge of the area.

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The visitors should have broken the deadlock on 38 minutes when Ulises Davila released Sotirio but with just Izzo to beat, the Reds keeper stood firm.

Wellington continued their dominance after the break but it was the hosts who opened the scoring against the run of play with a contender for goal of the season after 57 minutes.

Mileusnic received a ball on the edge of the box, controlled it with his chest before slicing a volley with his weaker left foot into the top corner.

The Phoenix didn’t take long to draw level with David Ball turning in a Sotirio cross in the 67th minute, tucking home under the body of Izzo who got a hand to the shot but couldn’t keep it out.

Wellington were awarded a second penalty three minutes later but this time the VAR upheld the decision after George Blackwood was judged to have pulled back Liberato Caceace.

Davila stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick to put the visitors in front.

The result moves Wellington up to ninth with seven points while Adelaide remain in third on 12.

Perth Glory drop to the bottom of the ladder with just one win and six points to their credit.

AAP