Isaac Hughes, second from right, celebrates after scoring a goal for the Wellington Phoenix against Brisbane Roar during the A-League men's match at Sky Stadium, Wellington, 6 Feb, 2025. Photo: Photosport
The Wellington Phoenix have gone down 1-0 to Melbourne City FC at home.
It was a scoreless first half in the capital, before Melbourne's Marco Tilio struck ten minutes after oranges, to keep them firmly in second spot behind outright leaders Auckland FC.
The visitors dominated possession in the first 45, Tilio blowing a golden chance as he glanced a free header wide of the post from just ten yards out.
Wellington also had their opportunities, Chico Geraldes and Matthew Sheridan both just off target to send the sides to the sheds all square.
Melbourne then finally found the back of the net, Tilio making up for his earlier miss, slamming one past Alby Kelly-Heald in the 51st minute.
Corban Piper looked assured to level the scores, but somehow his header was kept out by Melbourne shot stopper Patrick Beach.
The Phoenix fought hard to find a late equaliser, but were unable to convert, suffering ninth loss of the season as they continue to languish towards the bottom of the A-League table.
