Wellington Phoenix extend lead at top with win over Newcastle Jets

Wellington Phoenix secured their third consecutive victory with a 3-0 win against the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium. The result marks the club's best-ever start to an A-League Men season and makes them the first team this season to win an away match.

Corban Piper opened the scoring in the 14th minute, assisted by Kazuki Nagasawa, following a VAR review that overturned an initial offside flag. While Newcastle players objected to the goal, replays indicated Piper was onside. The Phoenix extended their lead late in the match with goals from Riley Bidois in the 87th minute and Nathan Walker in the 90th or 94th minute.

All three Phoenix goals were assisted by Japanese midfielder Kazuki Nagasawa. The victory follows home wins against Melbourne Victory and the Central Coast Mariners.

The Phoenix now prepare for a New Zealand derby against Auckland FC next week. They will look to break a streak of six consecutive losses against that opponent.

How it developed

• Sat 31 Oct, 7:28pmFootball Australia head of referees Jon Moss clarified that referee Eric Saba was within his rights to allow play to continue during the controversial offside incident.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the exact minute Nathan Walker scored, citing the 90th minute, 93rd minute, or 94th minute

Compiled from reports by The Post, Stuff, NZ Herald, 1News and RNZ.