Soccer: Ifill still has gas in the tank

Paul Ifill celebrates scoring against the Central Coast. Photo / Getty Images

In one run, he skipped past four players. In another, he danced around a couple of defenders who had little idea how to stop him delivering a delicious cross from which a team-mate should have scored.

Paul Ifill was superb on Friday night as the Wellington Phoenix cruised past Central Coast 3-0 to secure a home semifinal against Perth next Sunday.

He scored two goals to take his season's tally to 12 but it was the way he made the ball talk that left everyone on and off the field mesmerised.

"If you are a spectator and want to be entertained, there's no one better," Wellington coach Ricki Herbert said yesterday in the afterglow of victory.

"When he plays like he did on Friday night, he's untouchable. He can win football games for us. I have long held this view but I think Paul Ifill is the best player in the league."

We will know whether the judges agree on Monday night, when the annual A-League awards are handed out. Ifill must surely be among the contenders for Player of the Year, along with Carlos Hernandez and possibly Shane Smeltz. He will also be in the running for Import of the Year.

Ifill has been Wellington's best signing in the club's three-year history. The former Millwall, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace winger has been the key to getting the Phoenix not only to the playoffs for the first time but also in securing them a home semifinal in the first week of finals football.

It was something that also guaranteed the players a bonus of about $3000 for finishing in the top four.

The importance of a home semifinal should not be underestimated, given that Wellington are undefeated at the Cake Tin in 17 matches dating back to October 2008.

"It's huge," Herbert said. "It's 17 on the bounce now - that's out there - and it gives us such a lift. It would be great to keep that intact."

That record goes on the line against Perth. Wellington will go into the match full of confidence, not only because of their home record.

They have established themselves as one of the hardest teams in the league to beat - their seven defeats is the least in the league and they have kept three consecutive clean sheets - and they have now won six of their last eight games. One of those defeats, though, was a 2-0 loss in Perth last month.

"I think we are the team others won't want to play, especially over here where we are so hard to beat.

"I'm not sure people gave us a chance [to make the playoffs] but we are not just in there but got a home semifinal," Herbert said. "It's uncharted waters for us but we are playing well and have won our last three.

"I certainly know I wouldn't want to go to Perth. They have to deal with the travel and playing away from home. I think it's in our favour."

If Wellington can negotiate Perth, they will play the winner of the other semifinal between Newcastle and either Gold Coast or Sydney FC.

The match would likely be hosted by the highest qualifier, meaning Wellington would expect to travel to Australia.

Melbourne will play either Sydney or Gold Coast on a home and away basis with the winner going directly to the grand final.

Should Wellington progress that far, Ifill is likely to have had a significant hand in that. Ominously for his rivals, though, he felt he could play a lot better than he did on Friday.

"To be honest, I thought I had a good 20 minutes but I wasn't best pleased with the first half. I was a bit frustrated and felt I was trying to do too much with the ball, trying to take people on [when it was] too tight.

"I thought I was due to stand up and be counted. I think I only had a good 20 minutes, so I'm due another one - I'll save a bit in the tank for next week and we'll go again."

Finals fling

WEEK ONE
Saturday
1. Melbourne vs Sydney/Gold Coast (1st leg)
2. Gold Coast/Sydney vs Newcatle

Sunday
3. Wellington vs Perth, Wellington, 5pm

WEEK TWO (March 6-7)
4. Sydney/Gold Coast v Melbourne (2nd leg)
5. Winner game 2 vs Winner game 3

WEEK THREE (March 13)
Loser game 4 vs Winner game 5

WEEK FOUR (March 20)
Grand final