Football: Wellington Phoenix forced to settle for A-League draw after Brisbane Roar injury time equalizer

Wellington Phoenix have squandered a 1-0 lead against ninth-placed Brisbane Roar, giving up an equalizer in the fourth minute of injury time.  

The result moves the Phoenix only three points clear atop the A-League Men standings.

It was another defensive battle from Giancarlo Italiano's men as they were outshot 18 to nine by Brisbane.

However, as they have all season, it seemed Wellington would be the side walking away with three points after Bozhidar Kraev converted Wellington’s best chance of the match just after the half-time break.  

The goal was created after Oskar van Hattum won a tough tackle near the top of the box and the ball fell right into the run of Mohamed Al-Taay. The midfielder placed a perfect cross towards a waiting Kraev who expertly placed his header into the back of the net. 

New Zealand international Marco Rojas, who signed with the Roar earlier in the week, was then quickly introduced into the match by Brisbane’s stand-in head coach Ruben Zadkovich.

From then on Wellington seemed content with sitting back and defending their 1-0 lead, a tactic that seemed to be paying off as they continually defused each Brisbane attack.  

However, with only moments remaining in the match, Brisbane broke Nix hearts as Corey Brown nodded home an exquisite ball from Keegan Jelacic, sending the home fans into a frenzy.  

Despite letting the win slip away, Wellington have continued their most successful A-League season to date, and are still in a prime position to have their best A-League season finish.   

The Nix will return to Wellington for their next match against Central Coast Mariners.

Wellington Phoenix have squandered a 1-0 lead against ninth-placed Brisbane Roar, giving up an equalizer in the fourth minute of injury time.  

The result moves the Phoenix only three points clear atop the A-League Men standings.

It was another defensive battle from Giancarlo Italiano's men as they were outshot 18 to nine by Brisbane.

However, as they have all season, it seemed Wellington would be the side walking away with three points after Bozhidar Kraev converted Wellington’s best chance of the match just after the half-time break.  

The goal was created after Oskar van Hattum won a tough tackle near the top of the box and the ball fell right into the run of Mohamed Al-Taay. The midfielder placed a perfect cross towards a waiting Kraev who expertly placed his header into the back of the net. 

New Zealand international Marco Rojas, who signed with the Roar earlier in the week, was then quickly introduced into the match by Brisbane’s stand-in head coach Ruben Zadkovich.

From then on Wellington seemed content with sitting back and defending their 1-0 lead, a tactic that seemed to be paying off as they continually defused each Brisbane attack.  

However, with only moments remaining in the match, Brisbane broke Nix hearts as Corey Brown nodded home an exquisite ball from Keegan Jelacic, sending the home fans into a frenzy.  

Despite letting the win slip away, Wellington have continued their most successful A-League season to date, and are still in a prime position to have their best A-League season finish.   

The Nix will return to Wellington for their next match against Central Coast Mariners.

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