Phoenix Olivia Fergusson celebrates a goal Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Wellington Phoenix have kept their A-League play-off hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Porirua.
The Phoenix came from behind to win thanks to late goals from Mebae Tanaka and Olivia Fergusson.
It snaps Wellington's five-game winless run and moves them just a point adrift of the top six.
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple said it was a massively important result for the team.
"The last two weekends [and] last night's games they've all been going in our favour really and we haven't been able to capitalise," Temple told media post-match.
"So, it's huge for us to get three points because it capitalises on that, cuts the gap to one and of course if it's that tight it's anyone's game.
Phoenix women's head coach Paul Temple Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"The manner of how we won that game today will help the confidence as well so it was just what we needed."
Temple felt his substitutes were the difference.
"We were talking on the bench about Mebae and how she has x-factor and a bit of quality and it was all about trying to find her a moment.
"Thankfully the ball dropped to her, and it was an incredible hit.
"As soon as that goes in the whole life goes back into the team and then Fergie I thought finished her chance really well.
"It was a good cross from Zoe that came on so the subs made a big impact.
Zoe Mcmeeken. Photo: photosport
"When we've won that's been the story of the season; the subs come on and make a difference."
Temple made two changes to the XI which started last Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Adelaide United, with Daisy Brazendale and Manaia Elliott returning to the side in place of Zoe McMeeken and the injured Mackenzie Barry.
The Wellington Phoenix will head across the Tasman next week to play Sydney FC on Saturday.
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