Phoenix celebrate Alex Rufer's goal against Adelaide. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Wellington Phoenix have answered coach Giancarlo Italiano's call for more intensity in their home matches, with a pulsating 2-1 upset victory over Adelaide United at Sky Stadium.
The result was their first win at home since their round two 2-1 triumph over Brisbane Roar on 26 October and only their second home victory for the calendar year.
Recent Phoenix form was poor, while in-form Adelaide beat defending champions Melbourne Victory 4-1 last weekend.
In the lead-up, Italiano said slow starts by the Phoenix in their home matches were inexcusable.
The message certainly got through this time, with the hosts peppy in their earlier attack and captain Alex Rufer slotting in a goal from a Kazuki Nagasawa corner in the 13th minute.
The Wellington side then held it together, as Adelaide mounted promising raids in the late stages of the first half.
Ramy Najjarine converted a penalty in the 52nd minute, after Bart Vriends' clumsy challenge on Carlo Armiento.
A big moment came in the 58th minute, when a penalty against Phoenix defender Lukas Kelly-Heald for a challenge on Yaya Dukuly, with was overturned, after the referee reviewed the call on the pitchside monitor, ruling no contact and giving Dukuly a yellow card for simulation.
After tat setback, fresh substitute Ben Garruchio gave Adelaide hope, when he scored with his first touch.
They might have levelled in the 86th minute, when Dukuly's attempt was thwarted by a brilliant save from Josh Oluwayemi.
The Phoenix win should give them plenty of confidence heading into their NZ derby match against Auckland FC next weekend.
Dan Edwards, who looked sharp in his starting debut for the Phoenix, said the preparation for the match had been great and he was happy to get his chance.
"Everything went well for us today," he told Sky Sport. "We wanted to surprise them, be really on the front foot and see what we could create early doors, and it paid off."
Adelaide United captain Craig Goodwin lamented a "sloppy" performance from his side, saying the result was "disappointing".
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