We have given up a two goal lead against the visiting Wellington Phoenix to lose our third game on the trot and we now sit on the verge of missing out on the play-offs.
Waitakere United’s win in Christchurch against Canterbury United meant a win was imperative and things looked good after we pushed ourselves to a two goal lead prior to half time, courtesy of a Chad Coombes double.
But the signs were there that the match was far from over. The Phoenix had begun well, before being shaken up midway through the first half after losing both Josh Brindell-South and Kwabena Appiah to injury.
The visitors got themselves on the board in first half added time when Andrew Blake drilled the ball home off Danyon Drake’s upright.
The second half was end to end, but we failed to capitalise on our chances when they came. Reid Drake hit the upright while Coombes was denied a hat trick following a fine save by Oliver Sail in the Phoenix goal.
The Phoenix drew level with 14 minutes remaining courtesy of Ruairi Cahill-Fleury then hit the front in the 88th minute after substitute, Joel Stevens, poked the ball home.
We pressed late but couldn’t find any more magic.
