Soccer: Defence battles with form

Andy Harper didn't hold back in his criticism of Wellington's defending as he watched another goal go in.

"Awful," the former Socceroo declared. "Three months to plug the gaps defensively and the band aid hasn't been applied."

That was during Wellington's 3-2 defeat to Newcastle on the opening day of the A-League season. Three defensive errors, three goals.

The following week, it happened again. The Phoenix fell behind inside four minutes and endured a number of nervous moments despite recovering to win 2-1.

Last weekend against Brisbane, Wellington's defence was better but once again they conceded early to put themselves under pressure.

"We have been a bit soft at times and let silly mistakes creep in," says Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund. "We are not doing it on purpose but we have to cop it on the chin."

Wellington's strike force has rightfully been receiving the plaudits after the first three games of the season, particularly the impressive Leo Bertos, Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre.

But it is the defence that was supposed to be the area that coach Ricki Herbert could rely on. Last season virtually the same back four conceded 31 goals in 21 games, the fourth best in the league.

At times this season they have looked vulnerable, particularly down the flanks, and Herbert put his defenders on notice.

"We need to tighten up," Herbert said, "because we don't want to play catch-up all season."

It shows this side's fighting qualities that, heading into this weekend's fourth round, they were fourth on the table but they can't afford to gift teams early goals.

"We have to come out of the blocks fast," Sigmund says of today's match against Sydney. "We are a good enough team to get all three points. Last week it was good to get a point [in Brisbane] but we need three to keep moving."

Sigmund is a key member of this Phoenix side. The 28-year-old centre back is a whole-hearted player who last season earned the respect of his team-mates. Club members also voted him their Player of the Year.

Little was expected of someone who had chucked in his job in the hope of making it as a professional footballer. Being a good player in the NZFC didn't guarantee success in the A-League.

But the fact he earned a new two-year deal was proof of his quality.

"The last 18 months have been fantastic, awesome," Sigmund says enthusiastically. "To be part of a professional team is something pretty special. Every time I put on a Phoenix shirt, it's like playing for my country. I get a chill down the spine every time I go out.

"What's ahead of me now is awesome. I think we are onto a good thing at the Phoenix."