#hakinakina: Phoenix revive playoff hopes with win over Perth Glory

The Wellington Phoenix have kept their A-League playoff hopes alive with a 2–0 victory over Perth Glory in Wellington, snapping a difficult run of results and moving within striking distance of the competition’s top six.

The result lifts the Phoenix off the bottom of the table and into ninth place, leaving them just two points outside the playoff positions with five matches remaining in the regular season.

The match was scoreless at halftime despite Wellington controlling much of the play. The breakthrough came ten minutes after the break when defender Corban Piper headed home from a corner to give the hosts the lead.

The Phoenix sealed the victory late in the game when Perth midfielder Nicholas Pennington put the ball into his own net with six minutes remaining, ending any hopes of a comeback from the visitors.

The win was Wellington’s first in eight matches and the first under interim head coach Chris Greenacre, who stepped into the role following the resignation of Giancarlo Italiano in February after a heavy loss to Auckland FC.

Captain Alex Rufer played a key role in the team’s improved performance after returning from suspension, helping provide greater control in midfield and drive the Phoenix attack.

The victory gives Wellington renewed momentum heading into the closing stretch of the season. The Phoenix now turn their attention to next week’s match against Brisbane Roar, a side sitting just above them on the ladder on goal difference.

With five games left in the campaign, the Phoenix remain firmly in the hunt for a top-six finish and a place in the A-League finals series.