Wellington Phoenix battled to their second A-League 1-1 draw in a week, bringing a rampant Brisbane Roar back to earth at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.
The disciplined Phoenix worked hard for 90 minutes to shut down the Roar, who were on a high after demolishing Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.
A 16th minute goal to the Phoenix's Stein Huysegems was cancelled out in the 39th minute by Besart Berisha's cool finish, and although both teams fought right to the final whistle in blustery conditions, neither could break the deadlock.
The Phoenix started brightly, controlling possession and testing the Roar down the flanks as Paul Ifill and Huysegems ran strongly, while attacking midfielder Louis Fenton's pace and quick feet also stretched defender Shane Stefanutto early on.
Ifill was back to his best, constantly threatening in front of goal, and it was his lofted ball into the area, coupled with some nice interplay between Fenton and Huysegems that led to the former Belgium international's early goal.
The Roar gradually worked their way back into the match, Thomas Broich and Berisha both creating opportunities with their speed on the break as Brisbane began to assert their passing game.
Ben O'Halloran continued to open up the Phoenix down the right, and Wellington left back Tony Lochhead struggled to match him for pace.
Mitch Nichols also threatened as the match wore on, forcing a good save from Mark Paston after Berisha cut loose down the left.
The absence of Wellington captain and central defender Andrew Durante, out through illness and replaced by youngster Michael Boxall, was felt keenly as the Roar hurled a series of fast-paced attacks at the Phoenix goal.
Inevitably, Berisha slotted home the equaliser as the 40 minute mark approached, latching onto Massimo Murdocca's quickly taken free kick and producing an assured finish which gave Paston no chance.
The second spell was somewhat more subdued initially, with both teams working hard to shut down space.
The Roar still looked more likely to add to their tally, building their attacks from deep but the Phoenix held on to reward their 9182-strong crowd with a hard-earned point.
NZN
