Football: The Phoenix look to keep things clean at the back

Andrew Durante was man of the match against the Wanderers. Photo / Getty Images

Skipper Durante admits last season’s leaky defence inspired this season’s stingy one.

Defenders take it personally when their side concede goals.

Wellington Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante is no different and watching his team give up 51 goals last season, the worst in the A-League, was a frustrating experience.

He and centre-back partner Ben Sigmund knew something had to change. After 12 games this season, the Phoenix have coughed up only 13 goals, the fourth-fewest in the league.

"We really let ourselves down massively last season conceding 50-odd goals and it wasn't acceptable," Durante said.

"We worked on a lot of things to make sure that was right."

They've kept clean sheets in their last two games and Durante was named man of the match in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Westpac Stadium after another typically-assured display.

His partnership with Sigmund has earned praise across the A-League as one of the most resolute, and goalkeeper Glen Moss was exceptional last weekend against the Wanderers.

The defence will be tested again tonight when they travel to meet Adelaide United.

Both sides have been hurt by either injuries, suspension or international commitments and the Phoenix will be without two of their best with both Nathan Burns and Roy Krishna missing.

Burns, who leads the A-League's golden boot standings with 10 goals this season, has joined the Australian national side as they prepare for the Asian Cup.

Krishna is out with a hamstring injury.

It means Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has been forced to tweak his front third and provided an unlikely opportunity for Jeremy Brockie to enjoy a final outing before moving to South Africa.

"He's been desperate to make sure he leaves the Phoenix on a positive note and hopefully with some goals," Durante said of Brockie.

Tyler Boyd or Kenny Cunningham are expected to be fighting for the final spot up front.

Midfielder Alex Rodriguez missed the game against the Wanderers with a minor break in his hand but is expected to return against Adelaide with the help of a soft cast. Defender Manny Muscat returns from suspension, meaning either Louis Fenton or Tom Doyle will drop out of a backline that has proved tough to break down recently.

The Phoenix meet Brisbane in Wellington on Sunday before the A-League goes on a three-week break due to the Asian Cup, which makes tonight's game significant.

The Phoenix are playing with confidence and belief this year, and the added quality from the likes of new signings Roly Bonevacia, Michael McGlinchey and Burns has proven vital.

"It's a great opportunity for us to continue climbing the ladder," Durante said. NZME.