Melbourne Victory snatched a point from their clash with Wellington Phoenix today as Rodrigo Vargas' late goal secured a 1-1 draw at Westpac Stadium.

The visitors were dealt a blow when Nick Ward was sent off late in the first half are being shown a second yellow card for pulling back Manny Muscat.

Phoenix made the most of their numerical advantage to take the lead three minutes before the hour mark when Tim Brown headed home Leo Bertos' cross for his fifth goal of the season.

But Victory showed their resolve as they levelled when Vargas connected with Leigh Boxham's corner four minutes from time.

The point increased Victory's lead at the top of the standings to six points, although second-place Sydney FC are in action tomorrow.

Newcastle Jets piled more pressure on bottom-club Adelaide United with a 2-0 win at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Matt Thompson put the visitors ahead in the 45th minute before Song Jin-hyung converted a penalty 10 minutes from time to secure the three points.