Football: Phoenix streak ends with loss to A-League women leaders

Wellington Phoenix's Emma Main. Photo: photosport

Wellington Phoenix have had their unbeaten run in the women's A-League ended by Melbourne City following a 2-1 defeat.

Competition leaders City scored two goals in two minutes midway through the second half in Melbourne after the Phoenix went to half-time ahead thanks to Olivia Fergusson's maiden A-League goal.

Phoenix head coach Paul Temple was proud of seventh-placed team's performance after denying the hosts a single shot on target for the first hour.

"We were really frustrating them and we created a number of opportunities from turnovers high up the pitch," Temple said.

"We got a goal and perhaps could have had a few more if we'd maybe taken our opportunity to shoot earlier, but I felt deserved to be in the lead at the break.

Phoenix women's head coach Paul Temple Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"It was going to plan really and just a real unfortunate moment for an own goal and then all of a sudden the whole perspective changes and all of their frustration that they were feeling goes away and the pressure's off I guess.

"I think they were pretty happy to get to the final whistle and come away with one because it was a game we deserved some points from."

The result ends a four-match unbeaten run, which had revived the Phoenix's campaign.

It looked like continuing when Grace Jale pounced on an under-hit pass soon before half-time, with her saved shot rebounding to Fergusson to tap into the net.

City drew level in the 66th minute when Wellington defender Alivia Kelly headed a cross into her own net.

The win came soon afterwards via a close-range header from Laura Hughes.

Wellington's next match is at home to Perth Glory on Saturday.

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