The Wellington Phoenix have clinched an historic first-ever playoffs place in an Australian football competition for a New Zealand club without kicking a ball.
The Phoenix play at Gold Coast today but Adelaide United's 2-0 win over Brisbane means the Wellington side are assured of a top-six finish with a week to play, after Melbourne also eliminated North Queensland with a 2-0 win at home.
That result also heaps the pressure on Melbourne's nearest championship rivals and tightens their grip on a top two A-League finish.
The win also puts the Victory three points clear of second-placed Gold Coast and five points ahead of Sydney FC and it increases Gold Coast and Sydney's urgency to take points in their matches on Sunday to stay in contention for a top two berth and a place in the major semi-final, with just one round remaining after this weekend.\
