New Zealand A-League football fans were finally rewarded for their loyalty and patience as the Wellington Phoenix registered their first win of the season on Sunday, a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC.
Stein Huysegems, who on Thursday had a penalty saved by the Mariners goalie Liam Reddy, made amends by scoring in the 33rd-minute to secure coach Ernie Merrick his first victory at the club, and leave winless Melbourne Victory alone at the bottom of the table.
But the Phoenix' win came at the cost of their classy striker Paul Ifill, who was stretchered off with an achilles tendon injury.
Leaders Brisbane suffered the upset of the round going down 2-0 to Newcastle, who improved to fourth on the table.
