The Wellington Phoenix have grabbed a slice of history. 

In their 17th season they have banked a top-two regular-season finish for the first time, with a vital 1-0 win over third-placed Melbourne Victory on Friday night. 

It happened in the most dramatic circumstances, with the Phoenix scoring in the 96th minute through a header from defender Finn Surman that deflected off Victory counterpart Roderick Miranda and into the net. 

The result means Wellington return to the summit of the A-League, ahead of Central Coast Mariners who travel to Western United on Saturday. But most importantly, it gives Wellington a free pass to the second week of the finals, where they will feature in the home-and-away semifinals as they have an unassailable buffer over the Victory. 

Adam Cooper caught up with Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano right after fulltime. 

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