Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Access unlimited content, as well as The Canberra Times app.

Wellington Phoenix have dumped A-League Men rivals Melbourne City out of the Australia Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Casey Fields.

The New Zealanders advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition on a cold, wet and windy Melbourne on Wednesday on the back of first-half strikes from Kosta Barbarouses (19th) and Ben Waine (36th).

Matthew Leckie pulled one back for City in the 84th minute to set up a nervous and exciting finish, but the Phoenix showed enough discipline and courage under coach Ufuk Talay to secure the win.

The Brisbane Roar were given a mighty fright when they were taken to penalties by lower-tier club Avondale FC at Valley Park Sports Centre.

The Roar and Avondale were locked at 2-2 before the A-League Men's club won the shootout 4-1.

Riku Danzaki (58th) and Henry Hore (96th) netted for the Roar while Liam Boland (67th) and Stefan Zinni (119th) responded for Avondale.

The Roar were forced to play with 10 men for the remaining minutes of extra time after Jack Hinget was dismissed in the 107th minute.

Fellow A-League Men's rivals Adelaide United also endured a tough night out before beating local opposition Adelaide City with the identical scoreline.

The teams drew 2-2 before United emerged 4-1 on penalties to avoid an early exit from the competition.

In the fourth match on the night, Oakleigh Cannons needed extra time before beating Brisbane City 5-3.

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.