The Phoenix celebrate their win over the Roar. Photo / Photosport
The impact of Corban Piper off the bench will be a huge positive for coach Giancarlo Italiano, with the defender assisting both goals.
“We had backs to the wall and Corban came on, brought great energy and nice belief,” Italiano said.
“Really happy for Carlo, to be fair. It’s very hard for him to get into the game, but I felt every time we went down his side, it was really dangerous.
“Everyone was very good today.”
But the result has come at a huge loss after Payne left the field in the 17th minute when he fell awkwardly on his left shoulder attempting to tackle a defender.
Payne was pictured with his left arm in a sling as he walked down the tunnel.
“He’s probably broken his collarbone,” said Italiano. “I don’t know the exact terms but I think best case scenario is six weeks.”
The win will give the Phoenix plenty of confidence, considering they won just once in Wellington last season, while it lifts them to second on the standings. They could be overtaken by Adelaide United if they beat Macarthur later on Sunday night.
Auckland FC are third after their 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.