Football: Phoenix need to chase history in playoffs

Kenny Cunningham of the Phoenix makes a break. Photo / Getty Images

The Wellington Phoenix have created various slices of history this season and that trend will need to continue in the playoffs if they want to claim a maiden A-League title.
After losing 2-1 to Sydney FC in Wellington last night in their final game of the regular season, the Phoenix were forced in to fourth place on the ladder.

No team has ever won the league from outside the top two but Wellington have broken down a range of barriers this year, including a maiden away win over the Victory in Melbourne, so they won't lack for confidence at this stage of the season.

The Phoenix's first assignment in the playoffs will be a home game this weekend against Melbourne City who have bumbled their way in to the finals having not won in their past four games. If Wellington were to beat Melbourne they would go on the road for their semifinal the following week.

Had the Phoenix produced a late equaliser against Sydney FC, they would have finished third and hosted the in-form Brisbane Roar but Wellington coach Ernie Merrick said it didn't matter who your opponents were in the playoffs.

"I think there's a variety of ways you can look at it but when it comes to finals, everyone's really tough," Merrick said.

If the Phoenix had've beaten Sydney they would have finished second, which would have given them a bye during the first week of the playoffs before hosting a semifinal.

A missed penalty from Roly Bonevacia dented the confidence of the Phoenix last night who then conceded two first-half goals, which proved too much of a deficit to overcome.

Former Phoenix striker Shane Smeltz showed how it was done from the penalty spot when he made no mistake in the 32nd minute and that goal proved decisive.

Right back Michael Boxall, one of Wellington's best, pulled a goal back early in the second spell but they were unable to conjure up any more late theatrics.

"We are playing good football, we've just got to finish it off," Merrick said.

The Phoenix were without goalkeeper Glen Moss who missed the game due to a knee injury but he was expected to return against City. In Moss's absence, Lewis Italiano was given his A-League debut and was generally sound.

Sydney, who finished second on the ladder behind minor premiers Melbourne Victory, completed an unbeaten road campaign for the 2014-2015 season.

"It's about togetherness and it's about keeping the same routine whether we are at home or away," Sydney coach Graham Arnold said of his team's road success.

Sydney will enjoy a bye during the opening round of the playoffs and Arnold said his side would be tough to meet in a knockout game.

"I honestly believe that we are the form team of the competition."

Sydney FC 2 (Bernie Ibini 14, Shane Smeltz 32 pen) Wellington Phoenix 1 (Michael Boxall 46) halftime: 2-0