Sotirio show surges Phoenix up ALM ladder

Jaushua Sotirio has overcome a first-half blooper reel to score a brace and earn Wellington Phoenix a 3-1 win over Macarthur FC.

The maligned forward netted twice in seven minutes as the New Zealanders secured a win on the country's national day, surging them from bottom of the A-League Men's table to seventh.

The Nix led through Reno Piscopo's 12th minute penalty but were pegged back when former captain Ulises Davila struck Macarthur an equaliser - his first goal since a contentious off-season move to Campbelltown.

Macarthur had momentum as the Johnny Warren Medal winner departed the stage shortly after, only for Sotirio to steal the limelight.

The 26-year-old used his ferocious pace to score in the 71st and 78th minutes, securing Wellington's first back-to-back wins of the campaign.

Piscopo's opener came after wideman Craig Noone clumsily ran into Sam Sutton in the corner of the box for a clear penalty.

Sotirio's intervention all the more surprising given his lacklustre first half, which began when he strayed offside to miss out on a simple tap-in from a Filip Kurto save.

He spooned high and wide when clear free on goal, and made mincemeat of silver service from Sam Sutton, heading a curling cross over from five metres out.

Still, Wellington went to the break ahead at Campbelltown Sports Stadium courtesy of Piscopo's spot kick - earned when Craig Noone clumsily bundled over Sam Sutton in the corner of the box.

The Olyroo fired the Phoenix ahead with a low spot kick which just evaded the diving Filip Kurto.

Macarthur warmed back into the contest and finished the half stronger, Sail making a double-save from Davila and Aleksandar Susnjar to keep the Nix ahead.

Sotirio fired a warning shot of what was to come - volleying