Striker Kosta Barbarouses is defending Wellington's 1-all draw to start to the A-League football campaign

The Phoenix relinquished a 1-nil halftime lead in the 76th minute at home to Western United.

Barbarouses - who opened the scoring on halftime - says there were hints of encouragement.



Wellington are away to Perth this weekend, before hosting Auckland on November 2.



Liverpool have beaten Chelsea 2-1 to stay top of the Premier League on 21 points.

Manchester City are one adrift after defeating Wolverhampton 2-1.