Good News: The Brisbane Roar fc have welcomed back two former players,

A first men’s A-League goal for young defender Isaac Hughes earned the Wellington Phoenix a point in their 1-1 draw against bottom-placed Brisbane Roar.

Hughes put the home side ahead before a Waitangi Day crowd of 9,084 at Sky Stadium, before Roar levelled with 20 minutes left.

The first half produced no goals but sparked plenty of controversy.

The Phoenix had two potential goals ruled out after VAR reviews, and a possible handball in the box that didn’t warrant a VAR check.

In the first VAR incident, livewire midfielder Hideki Ishige fired a first-time shot into the net but had the effort voided because he was judged to be offside.

Ishige was also at the centre of the second VAR intrusion when he appeared to be kicked in the leg in the penalty area after breasting the ball down.

Though the Roar had most of the first-half possession and looked dangerous at times, the Phoenix looked ready to take command in the second half.

With an hour on the clock, Hughes conjured his big moment, putting the Phoenix ahead from a corner.

Hughes shook off his marker and lunged low to meet the ball with a powerful header, steering it into the net.

Main photo: Phoenix players are quick to congratulate Isaac Hughes after his maiden A-League goal.

Within a couple of minutes, Roar’s Jay O’Shea almost levelled when he hit the post with a snap shot from the edge of the area.

Roar got their equaliser in the 71st minute when Henry Hore scored a gem of a goal, beating the Phoenix defence with a skilful shimmy and controlled finish with only ‘keeper Alby Kelly-Heald to beat.

In the dying minutes, the Phoenix gave an A-League debut to Lachlan Candy (19), another youngster who has come through the club’s academy.