19 Jan 2009

Phoenix survive but now have to rely on other results

7:11 am on 19 January 2009

The Wellington Phoenix's hopes of reaching the top four in the Australian football A-League will go down to the final round of the season after a one-all home draw against Adelaide United.

Adelaide took the lead through Paul Reid after just nine minutes in Wellington before Costa Barbarouses equalised before half-time for the Phoenix.

The home side had to play more than 40 minutes after Tim Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence early in the second half.

The Phoenix now have to beat the Victory on Friday night in Melbourne and hope Adelaide do them a favour by winning at the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday to secure the fourth play-off spot.