Riley Bidois has made sure that Wellington celebrated their 20th birthday in style, after his late strike secured the Kiwi side a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory.
Hosting the same foe they faced in their first-ever game back in 2007/08, the 20th A-League Men campaign in Phoenix history got off to a fine start on Sunday in the New Zealand capital when Matthew Sheridan teed up Corban Piper to drive a header home just 14 minutes in.
And while Charles Nduka would level things ten minutes later, the introduction of Bidois off the bench proved pivotal, as he netted just seconds after his 77th-minute introduction to secure 'Nix coach Chris Greenacre a winning start to his first full season in charge.
"A little bit overwhelmed; it’s been a turbulent week," Greenacre reflected to Sky Sport.
"We had a number of issues, illness, sickness - (captain) Alex Rufer missing today - so we've had a fair bit of it.
"Delighted with the three points, proud of every one of the players, the staff and all the work that's gone into this week."
Playing their third game in eight days, the Victory had more of the ball throughout the contest but struggled to do much with it, outshot nine to five and lacking urgency in attack.
Their goal came when Denis Genreau capitalised on a numerical advantage gleaned by Rafael Duran being forced off for treatment; driving into the box and, after a fortunate bounce, having the ball sit up for Nduka.
"We have to do better and we have to find the solutions to these deep blocks," Socceroos midfielder Genreau said.
With Duran forced off soon after, his replacement Nathan Walker almost restored the lead just seconds after coming on, but his 28th-minute attempt was sent straight at Victory keeper Jack Duncan.
It was the first of a handful of looks on goal both sides fashioned, with Nudka and Matthew Grimaldi both fluffing opportunities to give the away side the lead as the game progressed.
"We had about four chances that we could put the game on our side," Victory boss Giovanni Savarese said.
"We didn't score in those moments and I think it made a difference."
Just as it looked like the spoils would be shared at Hnry Stadium, Walker teed up Bidois with a perfect cutback to be deposited into the back of the net.
Wellington will next host Central Coast, while the Victory will return home to prepare for a Melbourne derby against City next Saturday.
