The Wellington Phoenix have inflicted the first defeat of the A-League season on the Brisbane Roar courtesy of a 3-2 victory at the Westpac Stadium.

The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute when they hit the Phoenix on the counter and Thomas Brioch released the run of Dimitri Petratos, who slotted the ball past Glen Moss.

Wellington responded when they won a free kick 25 yards from goal, and Michael McGlinchey took the set piece and found the net as he curled his effort over the wall and into the top corner.

In the second half, the home side took the lead as Roy Krishna raided forward and faked the pass to Jeffrey Sarpong before unleashing a powerful strike at goal, which beat the outstretched hand of Jamie Young.

The Roar levelled the scores in the 60th minute as Corona fired a corner into the box, and the home side failed to clear the danger that allowed Jade North to send a shot through a crowd of players to find the bottom corner.

Wellington responded to secure the three points when Tom Doyle raided down the wing and crossed into the box where substitute Blake Powell turned the ball to net the winning goal.

The result moves the Phoenix into second place in the table, while the Roar remain top after three matches.