Wellington Phoenix scored in the seventh minute of injury time to earn an important 2-1 A-League victory over Perth Glory at Leichhardt Oval.
But the win could come at a heavy cost, after All Whites midfielder Clayton Lewis was forced from the field on a stretcher, appearing in agony, after a challenge in the second half.
Lewis, 25, was taken to hospital, with a worst-case scenario potentially ruling Lewis out of the rest of the season, as well as the All Whites' push for a spot at this year's Football World Cup in Qatar.
The Phoenix were also without head coach Ufuk Talay, after he tested positive for COVID-19, leaving assistant Giancarlo Italiano in charge of the team for the clash.
And even without Talay's influence, the Phoenix took the lead midway through the first half, as Ben Waine volleyed a lofted pass from Gael Sandoval past Perth goalkeeper Liam Reddy into the back of the net.
Down 1-0 at the break, the Glory hit back minutes into the second half, as Nick Fitzgerald equalised off a low cross across the Phoenix box from winger Adrian Sardinero.
Perth's attempted comeback was hampered by the loss of midfielder Osama Malik, shown a straight red card for stamping on Waine.
Despite the Phoenix push for a second goal, Perth's defence was resolute, even as Sam Sutton forced Reddy into a save, keeping out a goalbound shot in the final minutes.
But with seconds to go, Phoenix midfielder Nicholas Pennington lashed home from a corner, controlling with his chest, before launching a stinging half-volley past Reddy and giving his side all three points.
The goal was Pennington's first A-League strike and arguably the most important he'll score in a Phoenix jersey.
The win moves the Phoenix closer to the A-League's top six and finals contention, currently sitting a point shy of fourth place, level with fifth-placed Melbourne Victory and sixth-placed Sydney FC on points - but behind on goal difference.
The Phoenix have three games in hand over Sydney and play the first of those on Wednesday, when they meet Brisbane Roar at Redcliffe.
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Waine, Pennington) Perth Glory 1 (Fitzgerald)
