Wellington Phoenix Women Draw with Newcastle Jets After Controversial Penalty

The Wellington Phoenix Women secured a 1-1 draw against the Newcastle Jets in an A-League Women match at Porirua Park on Sunday, October 15, 2023. The draw, marked by a controversial penalty, leaves the Phoenix still searching for their first win under new coach Ben Priestman.

Brooke Nunn opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, netting her first goal for the Phoenix after a brilliant setup from Pia Vlok, the 17-year-old making her first start. However, the momentum shifted in the 23rd minute when the Jets were awarded a penalty following a clash between Wellington centreback Mackenzie Barry and Lauren Allan. Referee Anna-Marie Keighley pointed to the spot after Allan went down, allowing experienced striker Melina Ayres to equalize for Newcastle.

Following the match, Phoenix captain CJ Bott expressed her frustration regarding the penalty decision, stating, “I don’t think it was one. So we were pretty unlucky there.” Bott emphasized her disappointment not only with the penalty but also with her team’s inability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.

Despite remaining unbeaten in their last two matches, the Phoenix’s performance drew criticism from Coach Priestman, who remarked, “We created enough to win the game. Those chances have to go in.” The team has now recorded two draws and five losses in their past eight encounters against the Jets since 2021.

The match was not without its challenges for the Phoenix, as they dealt with the pre-match loss of Nepalese striker Sabitra Bhandari and a second-half injury to Alyssa Whinham, who left the field in visible pain. Vlok continued to impress, showcasing her talent with a long-range shot early in the match and assisting Nunn’s opening goal.

In the first half, the Phoenix had multiple chances to extend their lead. Grace Jale, a nine-goal Football Ferns attacker, failed to convert a promising opportunity after receiving a cutback from Bott. Jale’s initial shot was blocked, and her follow-up attempt was unsuccessful. The Jets’ defense, bolstered by Anna Leat, kept the score level with a critical save from a Whinham shot later in the match.

As the game progressed, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Nunn had a chance to secure a second goal shortly after the break but hesitated, allowing Leat to thwart her effort. A late free kick from Kelli Brown went wide, leaving the Phoenix frustrated as the match concluded with both teams sharing the points.

Coach Stephen Hoyle of the Jets returned to New Zealand satisfied with the result, particularly after integrating four local players into his lineup. The draw maintains Newcastle’s momentum following their previous victory, while the Phoenix look to shift their fortunes in upcoming matches.

The Wellington Phoenix Women will aim to build on their performance and finally secure a win as they continue their A-League campaign.