The Jets started the match brightly and controlled the early parts of the match with Brandon O’Neill asserting his influence in the contest.
Both sides had half chances with Trent Buhagiar unlucky to have his shot blocked which would have given the Jets an early lead.
The Jets controlled the first half and were unlucky to fall behind when a loose ball in the box was tapped in by Phoenix defender Callan Elliot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Jets suffered another blow at the end of the first half when Angus Thurgate was deemed to have handled the ball in the box.
Referee Shaun Evans went over to have a closer look and thus, awarded the Phoenix a penalty. Oskar Zawada smashed the spot kick down the middle to give the home side a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
The Jets started the break brightly and soon found their way back into the match. Grozos played a lofty ball down the right for Trent Buhagiar to slide it across the goal for Manabu Saitō to score his first goal for the club.
The Jets continued to throw everything at the Phoenix, Saitō in particular was causing plenty of headaches for the Wellington defence.
The Japanese international almost scored his second goal in identical fashion to the first however, the Wellington defence were able to recover and put the ball out for a corner
Kosta Grozos was the next to test the Phoenix when his brilliant free-kick from range was tipped over the bar by Oli Sail in the 71st minute.
The Jets threw everything at the home side but it wasn’t meant to be as the Phoenix put everyone behind the ball to hold out for a 2-1 win.
