In-form City account for Phoenix in ALW
Melbourne City remains firmly in search of an A-League Women's Premiership after beating Wellington 4-0 at AAMI Park.
Kaitlyn Torpe's world-class strike gave City the lead in the 29th minute, while Hannah Wilkinson and Winona Heatley scored two more goals before half-time, with captain Emma Checker scoring three points in the second half.
City's third win on bounce saw them move to second place, leaving them just four points short of leaders Sydney FC, with a game in hand.
The scoreline belied a competitive performance from Winless Wellington and a difficult opening half hour for City, who were playing their first game since 26 December, when COVID-19 cases hit Newcastle on 2 January. The struggle was postponed.
Wellington impressed early on and was denied a good chance in the 27th minute when Tori Toumeth steered Isabel Gomez's dangerous cross off a close knot.
City snatched the lead two minutes later.
Holly McNamara whips into a cross and Kate Taylor clears the ball, but only to Torpee.
The defender put his foot on the ball beautifully and threw a brilliant, skidding half-volley into the bottom corner.
City's second goal came when goalkeeper Melissa Barberi flicked the ball downfield, causing the Phoenix defense to panic.
Mackenzie Barry attempted to return the ball to Lily Alfeld but did not get enough power and New Zealand international Wilkinson pounced, calming the Phoenix goalkeeper.
Three minutes into extra time, Chelsea Blissett swam into a corner and, after a scuffle, the ball fell to Heatley at the back post, who poked a home thumb.
Hetley and McNamara, who were denied by Alfeld in the 48th and 81st minutes, were both called into Matildas' extended squad on Saturday.
The City pair will travel to a training camp in Dubai and are among four players competing for two places in the final Asian Cup squad.
Wellington remained out in the second half until Checker attempted a comfortable left foot on a corner in the 78th minute.
