Phoenix edge five-goal thriller

Wellington Phoenix booked their place in the next stage of the A-League Finals Series after a thrilling 3-2 win over Sydney in today's eliminator match at Westpac Stadium. Wellington, who finished fourth in the regular season, appeared to be cruising to victory when they went 2-0 up through Tim Brown (47) and Ben Sigmund (78). But Sydney, who ended the campaign in fifth, responded in a breathless final 10 minutes, first pulling a goal back through Joel Chianese after 80 minutes before the striker's second three minutes later pulled the sides level. However, a Paul Ifill penalty after 86 minutes handed Wellington the victory, and they will now face the winners of Sunday's remaining first-round eliminator between Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart.