Nathan Burns celebrates his third in the thumping of City in Wellington. Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
Wellington Phoenix tasted sweet revenge in thumping Melbourne City 5-1 at Westpac Stadium after the last time the two teams met, nine months ago in Wellington, Melbourne trounced the Phoenix 5-0.
That demolition became a distant memory after a resurgent Phoenix, fifth on the ladder and three points clear of sixth-placed Melbourne going into Sunday’s game, thumped home four goals in a golden 20-minute spell either side of half-time.
An 85th minute penalty wrapped up the win in front of a 7,140-strong crowd, giving Nathan Burns his hat-trick and the Phoenix their first in the A-League.
Coming off back-to-back 2-1 away losses to Adelaide United and Perth Glory, Wellington struggled to contain City for much of the first half. But in stark contrast to their previous games, they made the most of their chances with late goals to Nathan Burns and Roly Bonevacia to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
The onslaught continued after the restart, Burns belting home his second after barely a minute, and Roy Krishna making it four just as 50 minutes ticked over.
City hauled one back after 68 minutes, David Williams converting from the spot after Bonevacia’s trailing leg brought down James Brown. But with only one win from seven starts - a 3-1 victory over Brisbane Roar three weeks ago - City looked bereft of ideas after making most of the early running, and Wellington’s well-organised defence was never really stretched.
The win, the Phoenix’s fourth from eight games, consolidates fifth place on the A-League ladder, four points behind fourth-placed Sydney FC.
Burns’ spot kick wrapped up his hat-trick and gave him seven goals from eight games this season, putting him two goals clear of Melbourne Victory’s Berisha in second place on the golden boot rankings.
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