Soccer: Crushing defeat puts pressure on Phoenix

Melbourne’s Archie Thompson on attack during last night’s match against the Phoenix. Photo / Getty Images

A disastrous two-match road trip has left the Wellington Phoenix and their coach on edge three rounds out from the A-League soccer playoffs.

The Phoenix followed their 2-0 loss to Perth on Friday with a 4-0 humbling at the hands of a red-hot Melbourne last night, leaving the New Zealand-based team teetering in sixth place.

They are still four points clear of their nearest chasers - Central Coast and Brisbane - but the loss of momentum following three good wins is of concern to Herbert.

"I spoke to the players straight after the match and told them that it's down to the final line now," Herbert said.

"It's about our strength, character and determination. We're not a bad team because of these two results and it (making the playoffs) is in our own hands, we just need to rediscover the momentum. But questions to need to be asked and that's exactly what will happen."

The Phoenix's best chance of securing a win in their remaining matches comes against Adelaide in Christchurch on Saturday.

Following that they face a tough away match against the high-flying Gold Coast before ending the regular season at home to Central Coast, a match they hope won't be a pressure-packed affair at Westpac Stadium.

The Phoenix went into last night's match with an attacking mindset, striker Chris Greenacre returning from injury to start alongside Eugene Dadi and Paul Ifill.

They went into halftime 1-0 down after Carlos Hernandez's free kick was tipped past keeper Liam Reddy by the head of midfielder Tim Brown in an unfortunate own goal.

The Victory built on their momentum in the second half, with goals to Archie Thompson in the 50th minute and Hernandez in the 66th before substitute Matthew Kemp put the cherry on top in the dying stages.

Herbert was disappointed by his side's capitulation in the second half.

"It was very poor. At halftime we were still a shot but we fell away badly in the second half. We were tired and lethargic and made some bad decisions. Against a team like Melbourne, bad decisions will cost you, and they did."

Although Herbert was unable to play his strongest 11, he refused to put the loss down to that factor.

"When we've had to make changes previously it has taken time. Quite simply the guys we've given opportunities to haven't taken their chances."

Nor was he blaming the impact of the Phoenix's gruelling travel schedule for their poor results away from home.

"Sometimes it becomes a mental thing. Sure, every time we have to travel it is internationally, but hey, that's what we've always had to deal with. Clearly we haven't dealt with it as well as we might."

- NZPA