Phoenix break duck against Adelaide in Christchurch

A 22nd minute right-foot goal from defender Jon McKain inside the Adelaide penalty area was enough to give the Wellington Phoenix the lead at half-time, despite the visiting dweller-cellar Adelaide United outscoring the NZ-side by 10-2 in the corner count leading up to the break.

Tonight's 1-0 win was also the very first over the Adelaide United side.

2009-10 Hyundi A-League result [rd 25]:

Wellington Phoenix Jon McKain 22' Crowd: 19,258. Ref: Mr Peter O'Leary. HT: 1-0

1-0

Adelaide United Played at AMI Stadium, Christchurch

However, there was a stiff Southerly following the Adelaide down field in the first half, which saw often saw the ball drifting far too long over the chasing attack, whereas the 'Nix were resorting to the long ball - only for the wind to hold up the ball easily for the taller Reds defence to deal with.

A record "home" crowd of 19,258 turned up at the AMI Stadium tonight to watch an A-League game. That turnout even breaks the 18,500 that turned up two days before the David Beckham game against L A Galaxy, two years ago at Westpac Stadium.

Meantime, news from Townsville is that cyclonic conditions and heavy rain have flooded Dairy Farmers Stadium, and caused the Newcastle Jets visit tomorrow to the Fury to be re-scheduled.

Tonight's result means that the Wellington Phoenix despite their narrow win over a blunt Adelaide attack have temporally reclaimed 4th spot on the table, moving ahead of both the Jets, and Perth (playing tomorrow).

The recall of left-sided defender Tony Lochhead steadied the defence which had given away six goals (and two losses) since last weekend, during which the Phoenix were badly exploited. Now, the chase is on for a back-up left-back in case the All White defender is again missed.

With only two games left of the current campaign, their away league clash to Gold Coast (next weekend) and their final home game against Central Coast could mean that wins in both games will decide whether or not the Wellington Phoenix finish in the top six, and claim a vital home tie for their first-ever appearance in the Finals.

Wellington Phoenix: REDDY (GK), DURANTE (capt), M MUSCAT, LOCHHEAD, McKAIN, T BROWN, IFILL, GREENACRE, HEARFIELD, CACERES (76' DANIEL), DADI (67' BERTOS) ,

Adelaide United: GALEKOVIC (GK), CORNTHWAITE, FYFE, MULLEN, L PANTELIS, HUGHES (78' MONTEROSSO), T DODD (capt), JAMIESON, MARRONE, BARBIERO, LECKIE

Referee: Mr Peter O'Leary (Akld)

STOP PRESS: In tonight's only other game, Brisbane Roar pulled off an upset last-gasp win over Sydney FC thanks to the reliable Sergio Van Dijk as an inevitable goal-less draw looked likely.

HYUNDI A-LEAGUE TABLE 2009-10 [rd 25]

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Melbourne Victory	25	13	5	7	45	30	44
Gold Coast United	25	13	5	7	38	32	44
Sydney FC	25	13	3	8	30	21	42
Wellington Phoenix	25	8	10	7	33	29	34
Newcastle Jets	24	10	4	10	31	38	34
Perth Glory	24	9	6	9	33	30	33
Brisbane Roar	25	8	6	11	32	38	30
Central Coast Mariners	24	6	9	9	28	23	27
Nth Queensland Fury	24	6	8	10	25	42	26
Adelaide United	25	5	8	12	20	32	23