Wellington Phoenix’s struggles in the A-League deepened with a 2-1 home defeat to Adelaide United, marking their fifth loss in six games.
The match began disastrously with an own goal from Matt Sheridan after just seven minutes, following a cross from Adelaide’s Zach Clough.
Despite a brilliant save by goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi to deny Clough later, the Phoenix equalised early in the second half through Corban Piper’s header from a Hideki Ishige corner.
However, a costly error in the 75th minute saw Oluwayemi spill a routine catch, gifting Luka Jovanović the decisive goal.
Phoenix captain Scott Wootton lamented the recurring defensive errors, calling for urgent improvement. The defeat keeps the Phoenix in 10th place, while Adelaide ascended to the top of the table.
