Wellington Phoenix’s three-game losing streak has come to an end after a 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets in the Capital.
The victory was , inspired by a second-minute Kosta Barbarouses wondergoal scored from inside the centre circle.
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It was the 99th -League goal (and sixth of the season) for Barbarouses as Jets defender Mark Natta turned over possesion with an errant pass in the midfield and the Nix player spotted Ryan Soctt off his line to fire a shot from the centre circle over the head of the keeper.
That one bit of magic gave the home side the lead in a first half otherwise dominated by the Jets at Sky Stadium.
Paulo Retre doubled Wellington’s advantage in the 59th minute with his first Phoenix goal before 21-year-old Newcastle striker Ben Gibson gave the visitors hope with his third goal in two games.
Back in the hunt after Gibson’s 73rd-minute finish, the Jets pushed for an equaliser but Phoenix keeper Josh Oluwayemi produced a big save to deny Gibson a double and keep his side on top.