The Melbourne Victory survived being a man and a goal down to snatch a 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix and extend their lead at the top of the A-League.
Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas grabbed an equaliser with four minutes remaining to cancel out Tim Brown's 57th minute goal for the Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.
Melbourne produced a courageous performance to take a point after playing most of the match with 10 men after midfielder Nick Ward was sent off for a second yellow card offence in the 39th minute.
The Phoenix pressed home their numeric advantage a few minutes later when Brown latched on to a Leo Bertos cross from the right and headed home for what looked like being the winner.
But Wellington went into their defensive shell once they took the lead, and paid the price inside the final minutes when Vargas nodded home a cross.
Melbourne now move six points clear at the top of the A-League, though second-placed Sydney FC can cut that lead should they get a result against North Queensland Fury this weekend.
Wellington remain in sixth place.
One minor consolation for the Phoenix is the result stretched their unbeaten streak at home to an A-League record 14 matches.
