Barbarouses strikes late to frustrate Krishna-inspired Phoenix

Kosta Barbarouses struck a late equaliser as Melbourne Victory came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Wellington Phoenix in Sunday's absorbing Hyundai A-League affair.

Phoenix trailed early via Ola Toivonen's opener but mustered an emphatic response, as David Williams and a Roy Krishna double blitzed the hosts in a lethal 21-minute spell.

Victory hit back through a delightful James Troisi effort early in the second, before midweek hat-trick hero Barbarouses restored parity in the 88th minute to ensure a share of the spoils.

Toivonen ignited a riveting opening half inside five minutes with a smart finish over Filip Kurto after Barbarouses sprung in behind the Phoenix defence.

However, Victory's foothold was erased in less than 120 seconds as Williams - who struck the opener in December's 1-1 draw at AAMI Park - tucked Louis Fenton's cutback away at the near post to equalise.

Krisha then slammed home a penalty following a foul from Josh Hope in the box and put the visitors two ahead with a cool finish from a tight angle after Lawrence Thomas parried Williams' strike into his path, becoming the first player in Hyundai A-League history to score two or more goals in three straight matches in the process.

WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
LIVE BLOG: Stay up to date with all the action from Sunday's matches

A lovely exchange between Barbarouses and Toivonen saw Troisi peg a lovely goal back 10 minutes after the restart and the post denied Terry Antonis' curler as Victory forced the second half issue.

The reigning Champions continued to press on and clinched a commendable fight back point when Barbarouses fired in from close range on the cusp of full time.