Soccer: Phoenix secure playoff spot

Ricki Herbert’s side take on Gold Coast tonight. Photo / Getty Images

The Wellington Phoenix's place in this season's soccer A-League playoffs has been secured courtesy of Adelaide United's 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar last night.

The win means the Phoenix, currently fifth on the table with 34 points ahead of tonight's clash with second-placed Gold Coast United, are assured a top six berth. It will be the first time a New Zealand team has made the A-League finals play-off.

The Wellington-based team's focus is now on a top four finish, which would see them secure a home playoff match. But the Newcastle Jets, sixth placed on 34 points, look threatening, and the Phoenix desperately need a win from at least one of their last two matches to make the top four.

Their final match of the regular season is against the Mariners in Wellington on February 12, the same day Newcastle meet competition also-rans Adelaide.

The Jets were due to play ninth-placed Central Coast Mariners yesterday evening in Gosford but the match was postponed until Monday due to heavy rain.

- NZPA