Wellington Phoenix women’s A-League match interrupted by captain’s dog

Phoenix captain Annalie Longo with her dog. Photo / Sky Sport

Canberra United have overcome a canine pitch invader to defeat the Wellington Phoenix, with a Michelle Heyman goal securing their second consecutive A-League Women win.

Heyman netted in the 11th minute for the 1-0 triumph before Phoenix captain Annalie Longo’s dog stole the show at Porirua Park to a stirring crowd rendition of the Baha Men classic Who let the dogs out?

The pitch-invading pup managed to evade capture for almost a minute, dashing between various players before responding to the calls of its owner. Longo then handed it off to support staff and play eventually resumed.

Canberra recovered from the interruption by moving second on the ladder but the away win came at a cost, with recruit Aideen Keane likely set for a stint on the sidelines.

The former Sydney FC midfielder had left the game late in the first half in tears after suffering a suspected hamstring injury while attempting a shot at goal.

Wellington (0-2) are also sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Carolina Vilao after Keane’s knee smacked into her opponent’s upper thigh just before her hamstring injury.

Vilao played on in visible discomfort before being replaced by Aimee Danieli for the second half.

Canberra easily opened up the hosts’ defence, with Maja Markovski pulling off a crafty assist to set up Heyman’s 100th goal for United.

The Phoenix, brought to life by Grace Jale and a brief canine cameo, came out firing after the main break to take 19 shots to eight, but could not salvage a point.