11 Jan 2010

Jets' win drops Phoenix out of top four

6:30 am on 11 January 2010

The Wellington Phoenix have slipped to fifth on the A-League football ladder after Newcastle beat the defending champions Melbourne 3-2 at home.

The Phoenix were fourth after their 3-1 win over Brisbane in the capital on Saturday.

Sydney remain top despite a nil-all draw at Perth, with Melbourne second, four points behind.

Former Phoenix striker Shane Smeltz's Gold Coast United are third after he secured a draw with a 93rd minute equaliser at home against Adelaide on Saturday.

It was golden boot holder and All Whites star Smeltz's 19th goal of the season.