sport news Left it late! Wellington Phoenix find dramatic 95th minute winner to go top of ... trends now
A 95th-minute winner has lifted Wellington Phoenix to club-record heights - on top of the A-League Men table with a fortnight remaining.
Whether it was Finn Surman's first-ever effort or a Roderick Miranda own goal, the late, late breakthrough was enough for a 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory.
With 120 seconds left, the rain-soaked affair looked destined for a gruelling scoreless draw.
That is, until the Nix defender got free of his marker, heading Oskar van Hattum's free kick past Paul Izzo - via Miranda's chest - and sparking wild scenes.
Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen produced a full-pitch sprint and knee-slide in celebration after the goal, which keeps Wellington right in the mix for the first silverware in club history.
Finn Surman of the Phoenix celebrates after his late strike deflects off Melbourne Victory's Roderick Miranda and into the net
The hardy Phoenix fans that braved the torrential conditions had to wait until the last minute to celebrate victory
The result means the Phoenix (49 points) are three points clear of Central Coast, who play second-bottom Western United on Saturday, when a win will return the Mariners to the summit.
The three points also mean Giancarlo Italiano's side have their highest points tally in a single season - the coach's stated goal of the campaign.
They cannot finish lower than second, locking in their best finish in 17 seasons, and a first home final in nine years.
'I'm stoked now that we're gonna have the opportunity to play at home in front of a Wellington crowd to get to a grand final,' Italiano said.
On full time, the team celebrated with the 6,360 faithful who braved the dire day, dancing to unofficial team song Chelsea Dagger.
Italiano,
