Wellington Phoenix substitute Adrian Caceres scored moments after coming off the bench to earn his side a 1-1 draw with fellow A-League strugglers Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

Caceres netted with 13 minutes remaining - and just a minute after replacing Costa Barbarouses - to cancel out Alemao's stunning long-range strike to stop Adelaide recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The point did move Adelaide off the foot of the table, lifting them ahead of North Queensland Fury on goal difference and just a place and a point behind eighth-placed Wellington.

The Reds dominated a scoreless first-half but were unable to convert numerous chances as Phoenix goalkeeper Liam Reddy made several saves on his debut after switching from Brisbane Roar. Reds defender Michael Marrone hit the post midway through the first half, while Troy Hearfield had Wellington's best chance but fired straight at Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

Stand-in Adelaide captain Lucas Pantelis came with inches of opening the scoring at the start of the second half before Wellington's Tim Brown headed wide with the goal at his mercy. And Alemao made Wellington pay three minutes before the hour mark with a magnificent opener three minutes before the hour mark after beating Phoenix midfielder Daniel.

The Reds pressed for a second to secure a valuable three points but Marrone and Cristiano both wasted chances and Caceres made an instant impact as the midfielder beat Galekovic to earn Wellington a point.