Wellington Phoenix have leaped up the A-League ladder with an emphatic 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar at Redcliffe on Wednesday.
After leading 1-0 at halftime courtesy of an own goal, the Phoenix took control of the second half to add two more via the boots of Ben Waine and Ben Old to seal a convincing victory at Moreton Daily Stadium.
Goalkeeper Oli Sail was again outstanding, stopping all 11 of the Roar's on-target strikes, including a series of stellar saves in the final stretch of the match to earn his third clean sheet of the season.
"I'm delighted for the boys," said Phoenix assistant coach Giancarlo Italiano, who is still filling in for COVID-stricken head coach Ufuk Talay. "I thought it was an excellent performance [with] true grit.
"It was a very polished defensive performance. Oli was exceptional today. Credit to him for us keeping the three points.
"They did exactly what was asked of them before the game, and if we keep going like that it'll be a very good remainder of the season."
The Phoenix took the lead in the 28th minute, when Brisbane defender Scott Neville headed the ball into his own net, as he attempted to clear a dangerous Gael Sandoval corner.
In the 48th minute, Waine pounced on a stay ball to slot home, with Old completing the scoring 10 minutes later with a clinically taken one-on-one chance against the goalkeeper on a tricky angle.
The Phoenix are now just a point behind third-placed Adelaide United, who have played three more matches.
"The excitement is measured because we have a high turnaround of games and it will put a strain on the squad in the next couple of weeks," admitted Italiano.
"But the boys are really pumped for making a run into the six."
The Phoenix now face a quick turnaround to take on reigning champions Melbourne City at Sydney on Saturday.
Wellington Phoenix 3 (Scott Neville own goal 28', Ben Waine 48', Ben Old 57') Brisbane Roar 0. HT: 1-0
