Wellington Phoenix have become the first ever New Zealand club to reach an A-Leagues Grand Final after defeating Brisbane Roar 2-0 (3-2 agg) in the second leg of their Ninja A-League semi-final at Porirua Park.
5923 spectators turned out in style to cheer on their team in the cold and they went home with smiles on their faces as Makala Woods’ double ensured Bev Priestman’s side booked their spot in the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
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It was a cagey first half with chances few and far between but the packed out crowd at Porirua Park were eventually treated to the opening goal on the approach to half time and it was brilliantly crafted move that saw the Nix draw level in the tie.
Collecting the ball in her own half young gun Pia Vlok played an inch-perfect pass in behind the Brisbane defence for Woods to run onto and the American did the rest, dispatching the ball beyond the advancing Chloe Lincoln to make it 1-0.
Roar boss Alex Smith introduced Matildas legend Tameka Yallop at the break in a bid to help turn the tie back in his side’s favour but it was the Nix who continued to threaten; Woods steering a shot wide of the target from close range after Lincoln flapped at a cross.
The Phoenix were the side asking all the questions at Porirua Park and should have booked their spot in the final in the 88th minute when Mackenzie Anthony marauded forward and played Woods in on goal however the goalscorer lashed her shot wide of the target.
Woods then raced through on goal In the final seconds of second half stoppage time but smashed her effort straight at Lincoln before then rattling the post with her follow up in what was an enormous let off for Brisbane Roar.
However Woods atoned for those earlier misses in the first half of extra time as Roar defender Angie Beard produced an air kick at precisely the wrong moment, completely missing the ball and there was Woods to finish beyond Lincoln and into an empty net.
Brisbane tried in vein to rally late on but the Phoenix’s momentum was hard to stop and the home side ultimately held on to seal their spot in the Ninja A-League Grand Final where they’ll now face Premiers Melbourne City.
The Grand Final will now take place at AAMI Park on Saturday May 16 at 4:15pm (AEST) – head to aleagues.com.au for ticketing information.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Hear from Wellington Phoenix captain Mackenzie Barry after her side reached the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
Brisbane Roar defender Angie Bears fronted the cameras after her side’s gut-wrenching loss to Wellington.
