The Wellington Phoenix remain in the hunt for a coveted top two finish in the A-League after beating Perth Glory 2-1 in Sydney.
Ulises Davila (right) celebrates with Reno Piscopo after scoring from the penalty spot against Perth. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
Imports Gary Hooper and Ulises Davila have scored a goal each to move Wellington just a point behind second-placed Melbourne City, who've played an extra game.
The result also leaves the Phoenix as the only side that can deny Sydney FC the minor premiership, although the reigning champions only need a point from their last four matches to clinch top spot.
"It's in our hands," Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay said.
"Our focus was from day one was to make the top six and I believe with the points we have I think we've secured a spot in the top six and now we'll go back and have a look at it and we'll push as much as we can for that second spot."
New Zealand international Callum McCowatt shone in a rare start for Wellington, laying on the opening goal for Hooper in the 32nd minute.
"I thought Callum McCowatt was exceptional tonight," Talay said.
"I thought he had a very good game. He was very lively, he worked well in the position that he played and he obviously set up Hoops for that first goal."
Ufuk Talay Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
Hooper started the match and played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Davila, who doubled the Phoenix's lead from the penalty spot just three minutes into the second-half.
Both players had limited roles in the club's first match back against Sydney FC after each spent 14 days in isolation before rejoining the squad this month.
"They both got 45 minutes and I'm very pleased with both their performance and that's what they need. They need game time, they need to be training and it's very important they got through it."
Davila now believes he's ready to return to the starting line-up for Saturday's match against Adelaide United.
"He came straight after the game and he said 'look I want to play in the game against Adelaide' and I said we'll just see how you pull up in the next couple of days and we'll make a decision there."
Talay expects to make changes for what will be their third game in nine days.
"For me it's an opportunity for players that haven't played in these first two games to get some game time. So we're going to have to rely on the depth of our squad and it's an opportunity for those players to step in.
"The most important thing is to make sure we have players fit leading into the finals so if they need to have a break against Adelaide we will give them a break so they're ready for the next game and make sure that we have everyone available and we don't break any players leading into the finals series."
