Football: Phoenix suddenly in a sunny place

Phoenix attacker Nathan Burns makes a break against the Central Coast Mariners. Photo / Getty Images

If ultimate A-League success is about momentum, then the Phoenix suddenly look in a much better place.

The Wellington side's form had faded in recent weeks, and they were in danger of limping into the finals.

They lacked impetus, hadn't scored in more than 300 minutes of football and their usually solid defence was regularly leaking goals.

That's all changed after Friday night's extraordinary 3-2 win over the Central Coast Mariners, with Kenny Cunningham scoring a 95th-minute winner to cap a recovery from a two-goal deficit.

Aside from the three points - which means the Phoenix are still in contention for a top-two finish - they have also restored some belief.

"We will get a shot of confidence from that second half," said Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund. "That has got to be the benchmark from now. We need to enjoy that comeback and take some momentum from this."

Some issues remain - like their continuing propensity to concede early goals - but it was a vital win, which looked unlikely when the Phoenix trailed 2-0 with less than 30 minutes remaining. But they lifted the tempo noticeably, pressing higher, increasing their workrate and attacking with more urgency. They created a host of chances, before Cunningham's late strike.

"I can't remember too many [Phoenix] games that have come down to the last minute," said Sigmund. "It's not just about the result, though that is important. It's about coming off the field and being able to look each other in the eye and know we did the best for each other. We haven't always been able to say that over the last few weeks."

Sigmund said coach Ernie Merrick dished out some "home truths" at halftime before outlining a plan to get back into the match.

"It was all about how hard we were working - which wasn't nearly hard enough," said Sigmund. "We needed more desire all over the park and more people wanting to get in the box and score."

Cunningham may come back into the picture on the eve of the playoffs, after his timely double. The Costa Rican's second goal was a crisp finish before he showed composure to bury his last-minute chance.

"Kenny hasn't had much game time but showed what a professional he is," said Sigmund. "He gave us 100 per cent and it was great to see him celebrating."

Sigmund doesn't really have an answer for the team's recent dip in form - "perhaps it was a lack of concentration, taking the foot off the pedal and thinking we are already in the playoffs".

"We need to come out of the blocks a lot quicker from now on," said Sigmund. "We showed what we can do in the second half."

Thanks to Adelaide's 2-1 loss to Western Sydney last night, the Phoenix need to beat Sydney at home on Sunday to be sure of second, while a draw will see them place third.