KEY POINTS:
Ill-discipline is costing the Wellington Phoenix dearly as they watch their play-offs dream all but disappear.
Troy Hearfield's indiscretion in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Sydney FC is the latest in a run of yellow and red cards collected by Australian players in Ricki Herbert's squad.
Two weeks earlier
captain Andrew Durante was red-carded in the dying minutes of their match in Brisbane. From the resultant freekick, Queensland scored the winner. It cost the Phoenix a point and ruled Durante out of the next match where he was joined in the stands by Jon McKain who copped an automatic week off after collecting his fifth yellow of the season.
Australians McKain, Durante, Karl Dodd, Michael Ferrante, Manny Muscat, Hearfield and Richard Johnson have amassed a worrying 23 yellow cards.
Against Sydney the Phoenix struggled. As Shane Smeltz was under constant scrutiny, scoring opportunities were few and the Phoenix managed just one shot on target.
At a time of the season when teams are struggling with injuries - and suspensions - the Phoenix' lack of depth is also exposed. Most teams can call on young players who have stepped up to Hyundai A-League teams after regular football in the National Youth League.
The Phoenix are the only club without a team in the youth competition.
While Herbert might be tempted to give youngsters Greg Draper and Costa Barbarouses a chance he cannot afford the risk.
One such player who was given his chance made the most of it. Kofi Danning scored the goal that sank the Phoenix at the Sydney Football Stadium. Others like him have been given their chance and shown out as more than useful replacements.
Unless the Phoenix can find a domain in which they can blood young players - hopefully deserving New Zealanders - they will be forced to continue their search offshore.
Following their 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets, Adelaide United are well-placed to take the minor premiership. They are a point clear and have their last catch-up game - at home to Queensland Roar - tomorrow night before making the trip to play the Phoenix on Sunday.
To have any chance of making the play-offs, the Phoenix must collect at least four points - preferably six - from their two games. Having to play Adelaide and then second-placed Melbourne Victory (away) it is a tall order. To do so without players like Hearfield only makes the hurdle higher.