Wellington Phoenix have extended their remarkable unbeaten start to the men’s A-League season, defeating Newcastle Jets 0-3 away from home to secure a third consecutive victory and guarantee top spot after three rounds.
Corban Piper opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a controversial but legitimate goal, continuing his scoring streak in every match this season just days after receiving his first All Whites call-up.
Newcastle enjoyed lengthy spells of possession and created several opportunities, but Wellington’s disciplined defending and swift counter-attacks proved decisive. Late goals from Riley Bidois and Nathan Walker sealed the result, with Japanese midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa providing assists for all three goals.
The Phoenix now face Auckland FC in next weekend’s derby, hoping to overturn a disappointing record of six consecutive defeats against their northern rivals.
