Thanks for joining Tribe for this coverage. Be sure to switch tabs and follow the Central Coast Mariners vs Auckland FC match, which is kicking off right at this moment. Until next time, this is Sanil Karan signing off.

The Wellington Phoenix next face a trip to Melbourne City, while Newcastle Jets host Sydney FC as they look to bounce back.

In the closing stages, Newcastle continued to press but couldn’t break down Wellington’s defence. The Phoenix saw out the remaining time, securing all three points with the win. While Newcastle dominated possession and created chances, it was Wellington’s clinical finishing and resolute defending that ultimately saw them take the victory.

Newcastle refused to give up and halved the deficit when Gibson slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner from close range after a well-worked move down the right. The goal gave the Jets a glimmer of hope, but despite pushing forward in search of an equalizer, they couldn’t find the breakthrough. Wellington Phoenix held firm, with key defensive clearances and strong goalkeeping to deny Newcastle any further clear chances.

The Wellington Phoenix made a dream start to the match, taking the lead early when Barbarouses scored a sensational long-range screamer from near the halfway line. The goal stunned Newcastle Jets, but despite this early setback, the Jets quickly took control of the game, dominating possession and creating several promising chances. However, they couldn’t find the back of the net, with shots either blocked or saved by the Phoenix defence and goalkeeper. In the second half, Wellington Phoenix came out strong, looking to add to their lead. They were rewarded when Retre powered home a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a rebound fell kindly to him, doubling their advantage. The Phoenix seemed to gain confidence from the goal, and despite Newcastle's continued pressure, they remained resolute in defence, limiting the Jets’ opportunities.

Susnjar passes back to Cancar on the right, who then lifts it into the box. Oluwayemi calls for his defenders to leave it, confidently coming off his line to claim the ball. It’s a calm and composed moment from the goalkeeper as he gathers possession to relieve the pressure on his defence. That should be it!

The youngster Walker wins a foul off Aquilina on his left after a determined wrestle to win the ball, drawing a huge cheer from the home crowd. It’s a key moment as the Phoenix edge closer to securing the result, with the crowd sensing the victory.

Wilmering has the ball on the left and lifts it into the right side of the box with a hopeful pass, aiming to find a teammate. However, Sutton is there to rise above the pressure and heads it clear, relieving the pressure on the Phoenix defence for the moment.

Dobson is played in on the right and cuts it back to Scarcella just behind him. Scarcella then delivers a cross into the box, but the Phoenix defence holds strong, clearing the ball and preventing any real danger. Despite the pressure, Wellington manage to see it out and maintain their lead.