‘He got them one point’: Phoenix keeper pulls out all the stops to deny Sydney FC

Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail produced a stunning performance to deny Sydney FC three points, making a string of fine saves in a 1-1 draw at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.

Sydney looked bemused at the sound of the full-time whistle, struggling to comprehend how they were left with just one point from a match in which they created a plethora of clear-cut chances. The reason for their frustration was simply Sail. The New Zealand goalkeeper made seven saves, including a spectacular stop in the last minute to thwart striker Bobo that will be the envy of goalkeepers playing at every level.

Goalkeeper Oliver Sail was the star for Phoenix in their 1-1 draw with Sydney FC.Credit:Getty

“He definitely got Wellington one point tonight,” Sydney coach Steve Corica said. “He saved them quite a number of times. Obviously, he’s a good keeper. I think we were the better team tonight.”

The Sky Blues can bemoan the man-of-the-match performance from Sail, but the result was also a lesson on being clinical. A second-half strike from Bobo cancelled out David Ball’s opener for Wellington but Sydney’s post-match review will centre on their execution in front of goal.

Their first real chance came in the 18th minute when midfielder Mustafa Amini tested Sail with a powerful shot from distance. Even the help of an awkward bobble couldn’t deceive the Wellington goalkeeper.

Sail frustrated the Socceroos midfielder minutes later with a superb save to deny a one-on-one attempt. Amini was played through on goal by Adam Le Fondre but opted for power over placement, allowing a well-positioned Sail to make a timely block. When Sail was eventually beaten, his post and teammates came to his aid. Max Burgess’ fierce strike flew past Sail but cannoned off the upright. Milos Ninkovic’s cheeky follow-up deceived Sail but not Wellington defender Sam Sutton, who made a goal-line clearance to keep Sydney scoreless.

The Sky Blues were made to pay for those missed chances minutes before the break when Ball put the New Zealanders in front. He held off a challenge from a defender to strike on the turn, beating an unsighted Andrew Redmayne at his near post. The Sydney goalkeeper made no secret of his fury with his defence for allowing Ball to shoot but it was still a cruel punishment for Sydney’s wayward finishing.

Sydney were rudderless in attack in the second half, which prompted the introduction of Bobo on the hour. Six minutes after his entrance, the Brazilian striker drew Sydney level. A clever cross into the box found Bobo who hit the back of the net with a back-to-goal volley.

Bobo almost put Sydney into the lead with a well-placed header from corner, only for Sail to produce another fine save. The Phoenix goalkeeper saved his best for last, serving up a stunning reflex save to deny Bobo in injury time. However, Sydney FC were fuming after being denied a penalty when the Brazilian collided with a Phoenix player in the build-up.

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