Phoenix stay third after entertaining draw with Victory

Wellington Phoenix battled blustery conditions and willing opposition from Melbourne Victory to draw their women's A-League match 2-2 in Porirua.

Their first draw of the season leaves the Phoenix cemented in third place after seven rounds and with hopes of improving when they travel to face the bottom placed Adelaide United next week.

They had chances to secure three points against the fourth-placed Victory on Sunday but likewise could easily have lost against lively opponents in an entertaining fixture.

All four goals came in a 22-minute spell midway through the first half, with captain Kayla Morrison opening the scoring for the visitors.

Kate Taylor and Emma Main responded in rapid-fire fashion for the Phoenix before Victory's Kurea Okino levelled proceedings in the 37th minute.

There were question marks of Taylor's headed goal, with Melbourne players protesting that the ball had gone out during the buildup.

The Phoenix weren't at full-strength, with coach Paul Temple choosing to introduce Football Ferns trio Mackenzie Barry, Michaela Foster and Manaia Elliott to the match midway through the second half following their long journey back from international matches in Colombia this week.

The team also had to cope with the season-long loss of two key players in the past week - with vice-captain Chloe Knott having quit the club after voicing disapproval with elements of their culture, while Marisa van der Meer suffered a serious knee injury.