Wellington Phoenix have continued their A-League charge with a 2-0 win over strugglers Western United.
The start of the match was comically delayed, due to a mishap with the Australian side's kit, resulting in a Phoenix staffer having to scramble up State Highway Two to retrieve a new Wellington uniform and avoid a clash of colours.
Once they finally got started 15 minutes late, Nicholas Pennington made up for lost time by netting in the third minute, before an own goal from James Donachie soon after halftime sealed bottom-placed United's fate.
The result sees the Phoenix consolidate their position atop the competition standings, now sitting five points clear of second-placed Central Coast Mariners. The NZ-based side remain undefeated through seven games to start the new year.
Returning from suspension served in the team's goalless draw with the Mariners on Waitangi Day, Pennington was a prominent figure throughout the contest for the Phoenix.
He latched on to a perfectly placed cutback pass from Bozhidar Kraev to hand the Phoenix a very early lead and was also involved the second goal, as his header was deflected into the net by defender Donachie in the 47th minute.
After playing three games in eight days, the Phoenix now have the luxury of a full week off to rest and recover, before their next contest against Macarthur on February 18.
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Pennington, Donachie own goal) Western United 0
