Andrija Kaludjerovic stars as Wellington Phoenix claim first A-League win

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:38 am

Wellington Phoenix let loose to down Perth Glory 5-2 and claim a first A-League win of the season in a thriller at Westpac Stadium.

Bottom of the ladder after three losses and two draws six weeks into the A-League season, coach Darije Kalezic has finally seen the game he wants from Wellington Phoenix.

Two goals from Serbian striker Andrija Kaludjerovic and three assists from stand-in skipper Roy Krishna were the obvious talking points for Wellington, but it was the team's character which pleased Kalezic most.

Perth scored after nine minutes from an indirect free kick, Diego Castro laying off for Xavier Torres to slam home into the top right corner.

Kalezic couldn't have been happier with Wellington's response four minutes later though, Krishna featuring with a sharp turn and an inch-perfect ball for Dario Vidosic to nod home.

"The team showed great character, great effort to come back, great mental skill from all 11 players," Kalezic said. "They pushed up, played very aggressive and tried to play football how we want to play."

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Krishna shone again in the 34th minute, the Fijian pouncing on a loose pass from Glory defender Scott Neville before setting up Goran Paracki's smart right-foot finish to give Wellington a 2-1 half-time lead.

The Phoenix again conceded early, Shane Lowry heading home from the near post to level the scores just two minutes after the restart.

Wellington grabbed the lead back five minutes later, however, with Gui Finkler turning onto a beautiful Krishna pass in the box to slot home with his second touch.

The decisive blow came in the 74th minute when the video assistant referee adjudged Neville had blocked Kaludjerovic's volley with a hand.

The penalty was eventually awarded, Kaludjerovic converted and Wellington opened out a two-goal lead.

Kaludjerovic extended the margin in the 87th minute, heading home Adam Parkhouse's cross to grab a brace and boost his tally to five goals for the season.

Perth coach Kenny Lowe was left bemused at the loss.

"I thought at 1-0 we were controlling it, we were comfortable. Then within five minutes they've scored and momentum changes.

"They got a second but then we scored, it's 2-2 and again we're controlling it. Then the penalty happened, and that just deflated everybody."