Harry Ngata: Reddy's heroics cap remarkable rise

Goalkeeper Liam Reddy has been the cornerstone of a resurgent Phoenix backline. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Liam Reddy should don a red cape in two weeks. The former Brisbane keeper was again the hero last night in an unbeatable performance, saving two penalties in a dramatic shootout, as the Phoenix won a nail-biter against Perth to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Reddy made consecutive saves to send the bumper Wellington crowd into raptures and was once again the difference in keeping his side in the game throughout the course of 120 minutes of football.

Paul Ifill, Andrew Durrante, Tim Brown all converted their penalties and Adrian Caceres held his nerve to slot home the winner but it was Reddy who was mainly responsible for keeping the club's title hopes alive.

Reddy's standout performances of late have catapulted the Phoenix into the history books and makes you wonder why on earth Brisbane let him go.

Signed mid December last year as cover for the injured Mark Paston, Reddy has been the cornerstone of a resurgent Phoenix backline that has been the toughest to break in the league.

The Phoenix have been blessed with some impressive keepers in the past. Glen Moss departed for the bright lights of Melbourne, Mark Paston has been unfortunate with his injury toll of late - he would know what it's like saving match winning penalties - and 20-year-old Reece Crowther came to the club with an impressive CV that boasted time with Queens Park Rangers in the UK. Reddy arguably is a cut above and I imagine the Phoenix will be moving pretty quickly to confirm his future, particularly after Sydney FC stalwart Clint Bolton signed with new franchise Melbourne Heart to leave a vacancy at the glamour Sydney club.

A yellow and black crowd of 24,278 witnessed a game full of drama in which the home side finished with 10 men after John McKain was shown his second yellow card in the second spell of extra time.

He will be absent for the minor semifinal against the Newcastle Jets in two weeks, who also won their playoff on penalties against Gold Coast United the night before.

The Glory arrived this week needing a performance of Everest proportions to overcome a Phoenix side unbeaten at home in 17 games and brimming with confidence.

It was a game not for the faint hearted as Tim Brown played all but five minutes with his head in a bandage. For long spells the game threatened to spin out of control with niggly tackles form both sides.

However it was the home side that opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Paul Ifill and Manny Muscat exchanged neat passes to set up an easy tap in for Chris Greenacre's sixth goal of the campaign.

The Glory probably had the better of the chances and threatened on more than one occasion down the right flank but lacked the composure and, at times, the bounce of the ball. Star player Mile Sterjovski had to be content with a spot on the bench after missing the previous three games with a back injury. His presence as a substitute early in the second half was the catalyst the Glory needed in the attacking third. They were rewarded for their persistence and pressure in the 67th minute when Jacob Burns whipped in a free kick and Scott Neville rose unchallenged to finish clinically from seven yards.

The intensity that is finals football was evident to see as many players sought treatment for cramp related injuries throughout the extra-time period that fielded very few clear-cut chances. After recently being named in the Socceroos squad to face Indonesia next month, John McKain was shown his marching orders deep into extra time for another rash challenge. The Phoenix managed to hold on and force the tie into a penalty shootout.

Ricki Herbert was quick to acknowledge the home fans after the match and paid tribute to their patience and unconditional support over the last three years.

They now have the chance to go one step closer to that grand final dream. Last night's performance was one built on sheer desire and guts. It was not a game for the football purists with so much at stake for two clubs making their first finals appearances. David Mitchell praised his squad for their best season to date and can feel proud of what they have achieved.

Two weeks is a long time in finals football. Ricki Herbert is off to South Africa today as New Zealand Football plan their World Cup journey. The All Whites will play Mexico on March 3 in Los Angeles and will arrive in Wellington two days before they face Newcastle. But things like this don't seem to matter as much when you're playing a winning brand of football.