sport news Wellington Phoenix beat Central Coast Mariners in A-League clash marred by ... trends now
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Phoenix captain Alex Rufer scored his first A-League goal in his 107th appearance, as his side accounted for Central Coast 2-1 in a spiteful clash at Wellington on Sunday afternoon.
The defensive midfielder was the most unlikely of goalscorers after his storied A-League career with the 'Nix; with Oskar Zwanda finishing off a stunning team move to ensure Wellington posted their third straight win despite a dogged second half by the Mariners.
A stoppage-time goal from Beni Nkololo, a header onto the roof of the net from Nectarios Triantis and an on-target shot from Brain Kaltack gave the home fans some brief heart palpitations in an action-packed finish that also featured an all-in brawl.
A jubilant Alex Rufer celebrates his first A-League goal, which came in the defensive midfielders 107th cap
Phoenix players get around their skipper after Rufur scored his first-ever goal in the side's 2-1 win over Central Coast on Sunday
The win means Wellington rise to fourth on the ladder at roughly the halfway mark of the 2022/23 season.
A post-match scuffle after the final whistle led to players and officials from both sides getting involved, with Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail having his shirt almost completely torn off.
Pictures and vision show Sail in the thick of the action, pointing and
