Wellington Phoenix extended their unbeaten streak to six A-League games with a 2-2 home draw against leaders Sydney FC.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Phoenix remain sixth in the standings with Sydney first.
The Phoenix played a strong all-around game to disrupt the A-League champions put a halt to Sydney's six match winning streak.
After both teams observed a moment's silence for the victims of the Whakaari/White Island tragedy, the visitors went up 1-0 early on through Adam Le Fondre.
Reno Piscopo responded shortly after with the equaliser, banging home a stunning goal off a crisp assist from David Ball. It was Piscopo's first goal of the season and well-deserved for the effort he's put in over the past few weeks.
Then at 37 minutes, it was Ulises Davila's turn to strike; a rocket from outside the box to put the home side up 2-1. That remained the score at half-time, with Phoenix controlling possession, disrupting passing lanes and having the most opportunities on attack - against a Sydney side that is used to dominating the opposition.
The second half started with Sydney going strong on attack, attempting a corner in the 55th minute that bounced off of Steven Taylor into the Phoenix goal - Sydney FC fortunate to square things up at two apiece.
The Phoenix were undeterred and keen to give the crowd a win, in their last match at Westpac Stadium before it officially re-brands to Sky Stadium.
The crowd erupted when Liberato Cacace pulled out some flashy dribbling to get into the box, setting up Davila for a sure goal that went agonisingly wide. Then Sotirio partnered up with Ball on a last-gasp shot in injury time, with the latter's effort just fizzing wide of the post.
Full-time and both teams take away a point; Sydney extending their top of the table lead over Melbourne City to 6 points, and Wellington Phoenix remaining in place 6th ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers.
Wellington now travel to Mars Stadium in Melbourne for their last match of the year; taking on foes Western United at 7pm NZST on Saturday 28th December.
