Terry Maddaford: Huge ask awaits Phoenix in Oz

Wellington Phoenix striker Paul Ifill. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Opinion

Before the Wellington Phoenix had even kicked a ball in yesterday's final regular season game their injured striker Paul Ifill admitted his side had been "pretty average overall".

Few would question his summation of what has been an up-and-down season for Ricki Herbert's team but, unlike five of their Hyundai A-League rivals, the Phoenix have made it to post-season and have a chance, however slim, of going all the way.

Their record suggests that will be a huge ask, particularly given their record across the Tasman where all remaining matches will be played.

In 15 trips, the Phoenix have won only twice but, tellingly, the second (after a 1-0 win over hapless Perth Glory in early November) came just a week ago (also 1-0) over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The Phoenix will return to play the South Australians at that ground this week with high hopes but with, surely, no great expectations after some very ordinary efforts away from their beloved Westpac Stadium.

They will, however, take some heart from their recent record.

Yesterday's 3-1 win over North Queensland Fury was their sixth on the trot at home. Only Melbourne Victory with eight (from November 2008 to February 2009) and Adelaide, seven from August to December last year, have done better.

But that was at home. On the road the Phoenix have disappointed.

They are capable of repeating last season's effort when they went all the way to the preliminary final before being tipped out 4-2 by eventual champions Sydney FC, but it will need a huge step up from those players who have not been good enough to press their case for contract extensions if that is to become a reality.

Under pressure the Phoenix have performed well at times but a 12-win, 13-loss record (with 10 of those wins at home) does not suggest they will progress much further.

We can only hope, fervently, we are wrong - especially when soccer is very much the flavour of the week.