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It was a heartbreaking result for Gold Coast, who again had the chances to put the Phoenix away before Brown’s powerful header decided the match.

Adama Traore struck the post with a thunderous drive just after half time and Peter Jungschlager watched in frustration as his effort two minutes later was spilled by Kiwi keeper Mark Paston, but then miraculously cleared off the line by Manny Muscat with Kristian Rees closing in.

United were camped in the Wellington half for most of the second 45 minutes with chances few and far between for Ricki Herbert’s men until Brown thumped home Daniel’s inviting free-kick.

Miron Bleiberg described the game as the story of Gold Coast’s season told in one match. Chances came and went, his players ran themselves into the ground and luck deserted them at vital moments.

However, credit must go to Wellington who defended stoutly throughout, mainly thanks to Ben Sigmund and Andrew Durante who were rock solid at the back for the visitors. When United did penetrate they found Paston in fine form and a string of superb saves only added to United’s frustration.

It took the home side until past the midway point of the half to really settle and when they did the chances began to come. Maceo Rigters had a powerful drive blocked, then a weaving run from Halloran ended in a spectacular overhead kick after the youngster exchanged passes with Rigters.

Blond winger Halloran’s influence was growing by the minute and another speedy run would have bore fruit had it not been for the timely intervention of Phoenix defender Andrew Durante. Michael Thwaite had a header cleared off the line and for the second week running Paul Beekmans was denied a goal, this time by a fine point-blank save from Paston.

After finishing the first half strongly Gold Coast started the second in the same vein and upped the tempo in search of the solitary goal that seemed destined to win the game. Traore’s effort against the post and Jungschlager’s long-range strike were followed up by Paul Beekmans’ 20-metre drive and Maceo Rigters’ header that flashed wide.

At the other end Chris Greenacre saw a speculative effort land on the top of the net and Jimmy Downey’s weak effort was well saved by Jerrad Tyson after Jonas Salley’s soft back pass let the Wellington man in on goal.

“That was pretty much how our season has gone so far – we make chances, don’t take them and get punished, but that’s what happens in football,” said Miron Bleiberg after the game.

“Credit to Wellington; they came here with a plan, defended well, were hard but not dirty and went away with a win.”

Gold Coast United:

20.Jerrad Tyson [gk], 3.Michael Thwaite (c), 5.Kristian Rees (12.Dylan Macallister 63’) (21.Daniel Severino 77’), 6.Paul Beekmans (29.Mitch Bevan 88’), 13.Ante Rozic, 14.Ben Halloran, 15.Adama Traore, 16.Maceo Rigters, 18.James Brown, 22.Peter Jungschlager, 24.Jonas Salley.
Unused subs: 40.Chris O’Connor [gk].

Yellow cards: Rees 21’ Thwaite 73’.

Red cards: None.

Wellington Phoenix

1.Mark Paston [gk], 2 Manny Muscat, 3 Tony Lochhead, 6.Tim Brown, 8.Paul Ifill, 9.Chris Greenacre, 12.Nicky Ward (19.Jimmy Downey 66’), 18.Ben Sigmund, 21.Dani Sanchez (7.Leo Bertos 50’), 22.Andrew Durante (c), 24.Alex Smith (11.Daniel 82’).
Unused subs: 20.Tony Warner [gk].

Yellow cards: Brown 58’, Ifill 86’.

Red cards: None.