A-League review: Phoenix extend unbeaten run, Inman earns Roar away point

Wellington Phoenix moved into the A-League’s top six following a 3-1 win over Western United that extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.

After four defeats to start the campaign, Wellington have had an upturn in form and Ufuk Talay’s side led 1-0 at half-time through David Ball’s poked finish from a Ulises Davila cross.

New Zealand international Callum McCowatt then scored his first A-League goal after the break before Davila beat the offside trap and coolly finished 10 minutes from time.

The home side would grab a consolation, though, Steven Taylor bizarrely blocking a shot with his outstretched arm when lying on the ground to concede a penalty that Alessandro Diamanti converted.

However, that was all United had to show for their efforts as they missed the opportunity to go second ahead of Melbourne City.

FULL TIME @WgtnPhoenixFC extend their unbeaten streak to games with an assertive win in Ballarat.#WUNvWEL #ALeague pic.twitter.com/mN4cX2Xflg

— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) December 28, 2019

The clash between the A-League’s two bottom clubs – Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar – ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to substitute Bradden Inman’s 87th-minute equaliser.

Newcastle had conceded 20 goals in their previous nine games but were indebted to Glen Moss’ fine save to push Aiden O’Neill’s effort around the post early on.

The Jets went ahead before the break too, Dimitrios Petratos following up to score after Jamie Young had parried Jason Hoffman’s effort straight to him.

But Roar boss Robbie Fowler brought on Inman and was rewarded three minutes from time when he collected O’Neill’s pass on the edge of the box, swivelled and fired a shot in off the crossbar.

Brisbane remain winless away from home this season, yet Inman’s late leveller meant they avoided slipping below the bottom-of-the-table Jets.