The Wellington Phoenix has lost 2-1 to visitors Sydney FC in their A-League football clash in the capital.
Sydney took the lead just before half-time with a sharp header by Sebastian Ryall from a cross.
Then almost 20 minutes after the break the visitors went ahead thanks to a neat slide rule assist for Rhyan Grant to finish one on one past Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston.
Sydney lost captain Terry McFlynn to a second yellow card for handball with about five minutes left but the Phoenix couldn't capitalise until a penalty to Jeremy Brockie in the 92nd minute, after Leo Bertos was fouled in the area.
Worryingly the Phoenix faithful didn't exactly turn up in droves with the wonderful weather - there were a mere 7,375 fans in attendance. A 10,000 average is needed by the Phoenix to be financially sustainable.
In the curtain-raiser, Team Wellington lost 1-nil to Otago. Elsewhere in the national Premiership, there was a minute's silence for victims of the cyclone at Waitakere United's home game against Hawke's Bay. Waitakere went on to win 3-1.
Canterbury also beat Manawatu 2-0.
