Daniel Richardson runs the rule over the Wellington Phoenix ahead of their playoff against Melbourne City in Wellington tomorrow night.

Ernie Merrick is embracing the high-stakes nature of tomorrow's A-League football regular season finale against Sydney FC in Wellington.

Two late goals from Kenny Cunningham saw the Phoenix overturn a 2-0 halftime deficit and claim all three points against the Central Coast Mariners.

A fortnight ago, the Wellington Phoenix looked on track to claim their first Premiers Plate in the A-League but after two losses in as many games they might limp in to the playoffs.

They have toppled the Victory in Melbourne, tamed the Wanderers in Western Sydney but beating the Roar away from home has always proved too tough for the Phoenix.

Wellington, who play the Glory in Perth tonight, are in position to finish their campaign with a top-two berth going in to the finals.

Injury will keep both Nathan Burns and Alex Rodriguez from Saturday’s match against the Glory in Perth as Wellington chase top spot on the A-League ladder.

The Wellington Phoenix scored in the 79th and 82nd minutes today to beat Adelaide United 2-0 in Lower Hutt.

Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has watched his players being manhandled for the past two weeks by opposition sides and he is sick of it.

Neither the Wellington Phoenix nor Melbourne City lacked endeavour but nobody could find a goal as their A-League encounter ended in a 0-all draw in Lower Hutt today.

The Wellington Phoenix's high-flying season has hit a mini-slump after their second loss in as many games.