Soccer: Chance to improve on sad points haul

Ricki Herbert. Photo / Getty Images

On six trips across the Tasman this season the Wellington Phoenix have picked up only two of a possible 18 points. One of those points came in their Hyundai A-League season opener in drawing 1-1 at Gold Coast.

Back at Skilled Park tomorrow, coach Ricki Herbert and his players have a golden opportunity to add to that pathetic haul on Australian soil.

Gold Coast are at the bottom of the table with just three wins in 15 games but, as has been well-documented this season, there are no certainties.

As Herbert points out, the Phoenix are still in fourth place despite picking up just two away points.

"We have to do better even though we are still in the top four," said Herbert. "And that comes down to a consistency in performance. We have to do better on and off the field."

His off-field reference was an obvious comment on the lack of staff in key areas.

Chris Greenacre is Herbert's assistant but as a player he can only do so much in the role. Since Jonathan Gould's departure to Perth, Herbert has been without a goalkeeping coach. "We are getting staff but that won't be until next season."

Expect changes for tomorrow's game with midfielder Vince Lia ruled out of the trip - the Phoenix will remain in Australia until after Friday's game against the Newcastle Jets - with a knee problem.

Herbert has brought Nicky Ward and Cameron Lindsay in as cover for Lia. Paul Ifill is set to start after two post-injury appearances off the bench. Either Daniel or Leo Bertos are likely to make way for an Ifill start.

There has been much conjecture about Mark Paston's claims for a game in goal. Speculation has built following what many saw as an error by Tony Warner which allowed Perth Glory to snatch a late winner in the 1-0 win at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.

It will be no surprise if Paston does get his chance this week.

The battles between the two teams have always been close, with each recording two wins in their seven matches with the remaining three drawn.

While the Phoenix will not face All Whites and former Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss - still on an injury break - they will come up against former Phoenix striker Dylan Macallister, former New Zealand Knights midfielder Jonas Salley and Dutch-born striker Maceo Rigters.

While a win would not improve their position on the table, a loss would see their top-four spot challenged by the four teams below - all within three points.