Wellington Phoenix reclaimed third spot in the A-League after defeating a resilient Gold Coast United 2-0 on Sunday.
A 29th-minute Andrew Durante goal was all that separated the two sides until substitute Nick Ward sealed the win in stoppage time at Westpac Stadium.
The fixture went ahead after being in doubt mid-week following Football Federation Australia’s decision to strip Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer of his licence.
The Phoenix dominated the encounter, with the visitors kept in the match by several outstanding saves from goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson.
Tyson continually denied Ricki Herbert’s men in the first half before captain Durante finally broke the deadlock.
A Leo Bertos corner was headed on by Ben Sigmund and the Phoenix skipper side-footed home at the back post.
The Phoenix continued to squander several chances before they finally sealed the three points when Ward fired home after Mirjan Pavlovic had wasted a one-on-one.
Herbert’s side are two points clear of Perth Glory in third, while Gold Coast remain anchored to the bottom of the table.
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