Harry Ngata: Vital points for the Phoenix

Paul Ifill's double for Wellington last night was just the lift the side needed. Photo / Getty Images

The Wellington Phoenix have been treading water the last few weeks both on the park and in the front office.

However a Paul Ifill brace gave them all three points last night against the Melbourne Heart to ensure all heads will stay afloat...for the time being anyway.

The quality of football at times wasn't fantastic but more importantly for Phoenix fans it was the score line that mattered. I feel this result will give the players the confidence and self belief that has been wavering of late.

There's no doubting the ability within the squad but during spells when doubt and uncertainty come knocking on the door if often takes a steely resolve and at times a hint of individual brilliance to lift weary heads and heavy hearts.

The ability to lift yourself in tough times comes from within the group. It's only one game but for all involved it was the only game to date that counted.

Talk of finals football and IRD payments have been on going for weeks. For the players it's difficult to exclude matters that you cannot control. You can waste a lot of precious energy focusing on issues off the pitch and it was pleasing to see a more desperate and urgent performance last night.

Like his players Ricki Herbert has been under immense pressure to produce answers. It wasn't long ago that he was the talk of the town post South Africa. You've got to love football. It can put you on a pedestal one minute then whip it out from under you the next.

Let's be honest. You don't become a bad coach overnight. From question marks over his tactical awareness, formations and new player signings he has had his hands full. Le's also not forget from about this time last year - November 14 to be exact both the All Whites and the Phoenix exploded onto the New Zealand sporting landscape. Both became darlings over the following months.

Like many football fans we all want answers and theories on combating frustrating results. He was bold enough to make some changes against the Heart. Some would say he had too. He left some experienced and talented players off the list. Eyebrows were raised and he had to live with the consequences good or bad. Criticism is part of the game.

We all accept that. The intriguing thing in my opinion is how they claw their way back up. Personnel changes, tactics, the opposition, team morale and both mental and physical application all contribute to the mix. Finding the right recipe can sometimes be more challenging.

Players can quite often become afraid or apprehensive about taking risks. The thought of making a mistake is at the forefront of the individual's mindset. Playing with caution can be misleading at times.

Being more assertive and aggressive will come once a balance and regular rhythm is found.

You'll find most teams in the A League will go through bouts of form slumps. It took the Heart five weeks to register their first win. I believe the Nix can pull themselves together over the coming weeks.

Back to back wins would propel levels of confidence and momentum leading into the tricky Xmas period. The ability to grind out results like last night and away at Perth a few weeks ago will see a level of confidence restored to many of us.

- Herald online