Phoenix teenager breaks Victory hearts in 1-1 ALW draw

Melbourne Victory have been stunned by a stoppage-time equaliser in their 1-1 A-League Women draw with Wellington Phoenix at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

Alana Jancevski's 51st-minute penalty looked set to be enough to seal all three points for Victory and send them to the top of the ladder.

But the Phoenix refused to give up, and levelled the scores in the 91st minute when 19-year-old Manaia Elliott thundered home a header.

The result moved Victory equal on points with ladder leaders Melbourne City, who can go three points clear of their arch rivals if they beat Canberra United on Sunday.

Wellington are in eighth spot with seven points from six games.

The Victory were boosted by the return of Matildas duo Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac, and they enjoyed a remarkable 90 per cent possession across the opening nine minutes.

Jancevski's third-minute shot from an angle was well saved by Phoenix goalkeeper Carolina Vilao, and Nickoletta Flannery should have done better a minute later with a close-range header directed straight at the custodian.

Phoenix midfielder Grace Jale was left with a bloodied nose after a ball to the face in the 15th minute.

The Phoenix's best chance of the early exchanges fell to Alyssa Whinham, who did all the hard work to turn her opponent inside out, only for her weak shot to be easily blocked.

Victory were awarded a penalty early in the second half when Flannery was brought down by a tackle from behind, with Jancevski coolly converting from the spot.

But there was late drama when Phoenix substitute Emma Main whipped in a dangerous cross and a charging Elliott headed it home.