Wellington Phoenix score late to snatch 2-2 draw in last round

Phoenix’ Grace Wisnewski (R with Victory’s Melina Ayres during the Liberty A-League – Wellington Phoenix Women v Melbourne Victory Women at Sky Stadium, Wellington on the 01 April 2023. © Copyright image by Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Marty Melville

The Wellington Phoenix women ended their A-League season in dramatic fashion with a 2-2 draw with defending champions Melbourne Victory in Wellington.

With the Phoenix trailing 2-0, their comeback began with a late goal to striker Ava Pritchard in the 75th minute.

Then midfielder Grace Wisnewski scored in stoppage time in the 99th minute as Victory’s defence fell away.

The Phoenix finish the season with the wooden spoon, but coach Natalie Lawrence said there certainly were signs of improvement in their second year in the A-League.

“We look at the progression this team has made throughout the season,” Lawrence said.

“Today we found that goal even though we knew a draw wasn’t good enough.

“There’s huge character in this team.

“Ultimately we’ve still finished bottom but, again, I look at how we finished that game and that second-half off the back of three games in eight days.

“You’ve got to be a little bit excited by what this team could produce if we keep the players we need to keep.”

Victory sit fourth on the standings but can be overtaken if Canberra United beat Melbourne City tomorrow.