Top-of-the-table Sydney FC have been stunned 1-0 by bottom-placed Wellington Phoenix in their A-League Women meeting at Jubilee Stadium.
Despite being unable to overturn Kate Taylor's winner, the Sky Blues still lead the ladder after second-placed Western United fell to Brisbane Roar in a simultaneous kickoff on Saturday afternoon.
And with two games in hand over United and a five-point buffer over third-placed Melbourne City, sydney FC retain control of their premiership fate with four games to play before finals.
Down the other end of the ladder, the shock result moved Phoenix to within a point of 10th-placed Newcastle with a game in hand in their quest to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons.
Coach Ante Juric's Sydney were forced into a reshuffle due to a combination of injuries, suspension, and international duty for the Kiwis' visit: first-choice goalkeeper Jada Whyman, defender Charlotte Mclean, and captain Natalie Tobin among the absentees.
Despite this, Anna Green almost gave them the lead in the 15th minute when a corner spilled to her and she forced Brianna Edwards into a leaping save.
But belying their underdog status, the Phoenix grew into the game and took control as they created chances for Grace Wisnewski and Paige Satchell.
They took a deserved lead in the 32nd minute, when a corner towards the near post ricocheted out for Taylor to knock the ball into the net.
Sydney's Princess Ibini and Rola Badawiya, along with Phoenix youngster Milly Clegg, exchanged chances as the second half progressed.
The hosts came agonisingly close to a leveller with 14 minutes left, when Cortnee Vine drove forward and squared the ball for Mackenzie Hawkesby, only for Edwards to charge out and get enough of a touch to send the shot wide.
The tension became suffocating as the clock wound down but the Phoenix held out for a shock but well-earned win.
