Brockie denies Western Sydney a first win Jeremy Brockie, who scored 16 times for the Phoenix last season, levelled in the 60th minute. WELLINGTON have denied Western Sydney their first win of the season with a second-half equaliser from Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie ensuring a 1-1 draw at Pirtek Stadium. Jerome Polenz put the hosts in front early, with the Wanderers eyeing a win at home after their draw with the Central Coast in the opening round. But Wellington coach Ernie Merrick appeared no less than a tactical genius with key substitutions changing the complexion of the game. His call to bring on Jason Hicks for Stein Huysegems midway through the opening half added spark and steadied the midfield for Wellington while Paul Ifill, who came on in the second half, was a constant menace for the Wanderers defence. In the end it was Brockie, who scored 16 times for the Phoenix last season, who levelled in the 60th minute. The Wanderers dominated possession in the first half and it didn't take long for them to expose the Phoenix defence, with Mark Bridge, Shinji Ono and Mateo Poljak all getting opportunities at goal within the first three minutes. But it was Polenz who opened the Wanderers' account in the 15th minute when the Phoenix sent an Ono corner straight to the German, whose powerful volley from just outside the box was too much for Moss. The Phoenix had their four internationals in skipper Andrew Durante, keeper Glenn Moss, Brockie and Leo Bertos back but they couldn't break down the well-structured Wanderers in the first half. Youssouf Hersi, who caused all sorts of trouble on the right wing, looked like doubling the advantage just before the break, forcing Moss into action with a blistering strike. Wellington came to life in the second half with Brockie consistently testing the Wanderers defence. Wanderers gloveman Ante Covic was forced into two spectacular saves within seconds, diffusing shots from Vince Lia and Ifill before Brockie finally broke though to level in the 60th minute. The Phoenix continued to hold the momentum with Carlos Hernandez drawing yet another great save from Covic just moments later. Both sides had a chance to find a late winner with Wanderers new-recruit Brendon Santalab hitting the post with 15 minutes to go. The Phoenix were gifted a perfectly-placed free-kick a minute later when Polenz brought down Brockie just outside the penalty area, but Hernandez couldn't capitalise with his effort sailing over the crossbar.