A-League wrap: Phoenix edge Adelaide, Heart broken

Ben Sigmund struck deep into stoppage time to hand Wellington Phoenix a 2-1 win over Adelaide United in the A-League on Sunday.

But the match ended in controversial circumstance with Reds skipper Travis Dodd sent off by referee Peter O’Leary seven minutes from time, then Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert sent to the stands by the referee.

The red card for Dodd was a harsh decision as replays showed that his contact with Vince Lia’s head was purely accidental as he tripped over the Phoenix player on the ground.

It left the visitors a man down and grimly hanging on for a share of the spoils. But from a Marco Rojas corner Sigmund rose above the defence to glance the ball home to the delight of the 14,108 fans.

Adelaide had gone ahead thanks to a 14th-minute Sergio van Dijk header. That was cancelled out by Tim Brown’s goal a minute into the second half, his fifth for the season.

In a spiteful clash, O’Leary also booked Phoenix players Andrew Durante, Nick Ward and Chris Greenacre, while Adelaide had Marcos Flores and Robert Cornthwaite booked in the first half.

In Sunday’s other match, Gold Coast thrashed Melbourne Heart 3-0 at a soggy Skilled Park.

The Heart pressed forward all match but could not make the most of their opportunities, with a goal from Bas van den Brink and a second-half brace from Jason Culina giving the hosts a vital three points.

Melbourne have now lost four of their past five matches.