Carl Valeri - 6
Struggled to keep up with the pacy Wellington attackers, particularly Singh. Looked much more settled in the second half with Baena alongside him. Could have won the game with the last kick of the match but splayed his shot wide.

Josh Hope – 4
Disastrous giveaway and subsequent careless challenge to concede a penalty, showing up his inexperience at this level. Confidence clearly took a hit thereafter as he miscontrolled a few passes, and shot tamely at Kurto when presented with the chance to redeem himself. Substituted for Baena at halftime.

Terry Antonis – 7.5
Provided the key pass – a beautifully-weighted left footed through ball – for Barbarouses to tee up Toivonen and open the scoring. Consistently positive in his use of the ball, even when his side were struggling. Deputised at left back late in the game, and it was his cross that led to the Barbarouses equaliser.

James Troisi – 8.5
Quiet to begin with and disappointing from set pieces, but slowly grew into the contest. Found Barbarouses with a delightful cross field ball just before halftime, but the Kiwi was denied by Kurto. Took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half, getting on the ball, driving forwards and dictating play. Played a lovely one-two with Toivonen and finished cooly to bring it back to 3-2, and was Victory’s constant attacking threat.

Kosta Barbarouses – 7
Teed up Toivonen for the opening goal, but struggled thereafter. Relieved to see the flag go up on his strike partner after he blazed over from six yards. Perhaps should have done more with a magnificent Troisi pass, but Kurto did make a great save. Energetic and made a nuisance of himself in the second half. Delicate one-touch layoff in the build-up for Troisi’s goal, and popped up himself in the 88th minute to equalise after Fox’s poor clearance.

Ola Toivonen – 7.5
Opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a delicate lob over the onrushing Kurto. Seemed bullied by Steven Taylor for much of the first half, and got himself booked after an elaborate attempt to con the referee. Assisted Troisi’s goal in the second half before being replaced by Athiu.

Subs:
Raul Baena – 8
A major difference-maker after his halftime introduction. Was able to hold the ball well and play through pressure, something Victory were lacking before the break. Won plenty of tackles as well, and his passing frequently pierced the first or second Phoenix lines.

Elvis Kamsoba – 6.5
Provided bags of pace and even a few stepovers in his cameo, but didn’t back himself to shoot from the angle when the opportunity arose. Another learning experience for the talented NPL product.

Kenny Athiu – N/A
Not given enough time for a rating.