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The two sides played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday, with a 10-man Heart outfit, who took the lead through a Matt Thompson goal on 20 minutes, unable to convert a series of further chances.

And in a match they controlled – except for a brief period of Wellington dominance in the second half that surrounded Paul Ifill's equaliser from the spot, one which came after Simon Colosimo was sent off for a deliberate handball – Heart were forced to settle for a point.

"We should have had the game won at half-time," Aloisi said. "We had the chances to kill the game off. If you don't kill teams off, you can let them in. Wellington look for those set pieces (Phoenix won their penalty from a corner) and they are very good at those.

"We switched off just after half-time. It's a different ball game after that, down to 10 men."

Despite their opponents having a numerical advantage, it was Heart who finished the game stronger, with Dylan Macallister only denied a 77th-minute winner by Phoenix defender Michael Boxall's goal-line clearance.

Aloisi was pleased with Heart's performance, particularly after they were reduced to 10 men, and predicted further improvement for his team.

"The way that the team responded (to the red card)...I couldn't be more happy," he said.

"The way we were moving the ball around...it looked like we had a man more. I thought in the last 30 minutes we controlled the game. Credit to the players.

"You can see how confident they are, how fit they are and we probably could have snatched it. I'm actually quite happy and I know we are going to get better."

Fred was the main culprit in front of goal for Heart, while Macallister, Richie Garcia and Croatian import Josip Tadic also had chances to score during an exciting match.

Two of Fred's chances – which both came late in the first half in an extended spell of pressure from the hosts – saw him attempt to round and chip the goalkeeper when perhaps less exotic options would have been more effective.

But Aloisi said he was happy with the Brazilian who had a 'good game'.

Meanwhile, Nix stand-in boss Chris Greenacre hailed his undermanned side for a "pretty special" result.

Seven Wellington players missed the AAMI Park fixture due to international duty – Mark Paston, Glen Moss, Tony Lochhead, Ben Sigmund, Leo Bertos, Jeremy Brockie and Benjamin Totori – along with coach Ricki Herbert, who also is in charge of New Zealand, was absent for the same reason.

"To think we have come to Melbourne, ground out a result and to think we have got seven internationals to come back to our squad...it brings a smile to your face. That's pretty special," Greenacre said.

"I think before the game with the circumstances that have gone along this week, we would have taken a draw.

"We could have been two or three (goals) down (at half-time), there's no question. You have to ride your luck a little bit which I think we did.

"The boys have shown great character in getting back in the game. The culture within the club and the work ethic that we have got...I think that shone through today."

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