An 89th minute equaliser from Nicolas Milanovic has helped the Western Sydney Wanderers maintain their unbeaten run in the A-League in a 2-2 draw with Wellington.
In a highly entertaining contest at Sky Stadium in Wellington, the Wanderers had already fought back from one goal down, only for the home side to take the lead through a Chico Geraldes strike in the 69th minute.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Western Sydney, who created a plethora of good goalscoring chances, but lacked a bit of luck and cutting edge at the important moments.
But Milanovic’s brilliant first-time effort just before stoppage time meant the Wanderers got a valuable point and extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
The winger was the man who had the first great chance of the game, as he got in behind the Phoenix defence and unleashed a strong shot, but it was straight at goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi in the ninth minute.
Alen Stajcic’s side were in control of the contest early, and had two opportunities from set pieces in quick succession, but Anthony Pantazopoulos couldn’t make them count.
They were made to pay for the wastefulness in the 24th minute as Matthew Sheridan rose highest to head home from a corner.
The Wanderers didn’t let up and continued their positive attacking play, with Bozhidar Kraev and Zac Sapsford going very close to scoring around the half hour mark.
Kraev had already scored once against his former club earlier in the season, and he did so again moments later after brilliant build up play from Sapsford and Milanovic.
Milanovic was able to beat Sam Sutton and play a nice one-two with Sapsford, before cutting the ball across the goal to Kraev.
The Bulgarian, fresh off representing his national team, calmly slotted the ball home and gave the Wanderers a deserved equaliser.
Brandon Borrello almost gave the Wanderers the lead before the break, but his effort was well saved by Oluwayemi.
The Phoenix started the second half with more intent, pressing the Wanderers high as Geraldes forced Lawrence Thomas into a fine stop.
Western Sydney continued to create chances, notably through Borrello and Milanovic, but they fell behind again after Geraldes created space for himself in the box and finished well past Thomas.
Stajcic upped the tempo in midfield, bringing on Juan Mata and Dean Pelekanos as the Wanderers surged forward for another equaliser.
Marcus Antonsson fired a first time volley just over the bar, before Borrello tried to curl one in from wide but couldn’t get enough bend on the ball.
Milanovic, the club’s top scorer this season, was heavily involved in the action at this point, forcing Oluwayemi into another fine save, before missing a massive opportunity after latching onto an inch perfect Kraev through ball in the 78th minute.
It seemed that would be the Wanderers’ big opportunity, but such is their mentality this season they kept pushing for another chance, and Milanovic would get his chance at redemption.
The Wanderers broke as stoppage time loomed, with Milanovic running onto a Borrello pass; the winger took a touch, put the ball on his left foot and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
It was a stunning strike from the man of the match, and gave him his 10th goal of the season.
Both sides threw bodies forward in an attempt for a late winner, but the clock would beat them both out as the points would have to be shared.
The Wanderers drop to fifth on the table, but could move back into the top four next weekend with a result against Auckland on the road.
