Source: Radio New Zealand
Pia Vlok of the Wellington Phoenix shoots. photosport
The Wellington Phoenix women have suffered a blow in their A-League Premiership hopes.
The Phoenix have been beaten 2-1 by the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
The reigning champion Mariners scored both of their goals before Phoenix midfielder Macey Fraser scored a spectacular free kick in second-half stoppage time.
The result leaves Wellington six points behind leaders Melbourne City with just two rounds remaining.
Bev Priestman made one change to the XI which started Friday’s 3-1 win over Sydney FC with Mackenzie Anthony replacing fellow American forward Makala Woods, who was named amongst the substitutes alongside a returning Fraser.
Eliza Familton scored after 58 minutes and Izzy Gomez added the second for the home side in the 83rd minute.
It was the Mariners sixth win over the Phoenix from six games.
Phoenix keeper Victoria Esson admits it was a tough night.
“They (Central Coast) moved the ball around tonight they made our lives difficult and they scored two great goals,” Esson said after the game.
Esson admits their main focus is the play-offs.
“We’ve just got to take it week by week, in this league anything can happen our hopes and dreams are still alive to move forward and finish top six.”
The Phoenix play Western Sydney Wanderers at home on Sunday, then Adelaide United away in their last two games.
Melbourne City have 37 points, the Phoenix 31, Canberra and Adelaide 30, Central Coast 26 and Melbourne Victory 25.
The top six clubs qualify for the play-offs.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
