Soccer: Away wins crucial as playoffs loom

Marco Rojas (R) has been in great form for the Phoenix. Photo / Getty Images

The Phoenix are entering, as Sir Alex Ferguson would say, squeaky bum time. Michael Brown looks at what they need to do to make the playoffs.

Win all their home games
Especially important given their away form. They have picked up 24 out of a possible 33 points at the Cake Tin, including 13 from 15 in recent weeks, but only five points across the Tasman all season. They've won only nine of their 47 away games since joining the A-League in 2007.

They face Perth, Newcastle and North Queensland at home, all winnable games, and will need nine points from these matches to have a chance of making the playoffs. They have the more difficult assignments of Central Coast (3rd), Brisbane (1st), Adelaide (2nd) and defending champions Sydney (9th) away, a daunting prospect.

Give the ball to Marco Rojas
The teenager has been brilliant in recent weeks and has terrorised defences with his flair, speed and youthful exuberance. He has scored two goals, created four and regularly sent in dangerous crosses that are just begging to be met in the nine games he's played (three starts). There was some angst when Paul Ifill badly injured his leg four weeks ago but that has alleviated with the form of Rojas. Imagine what Wellington could do if both were on the park.

The club have made it a priority to re-sign the player who originally came to the club on a two-week trial arranged by the Yellow Fever supporters' club. It's understood Rojas wants to stay and continue his education under the likes of seasoned professionals Ifill and Chris Greenacre but other suitors have come loaded with dowry. He can't let this become a distraction.

Maintain a settled side
Consistency of selection is a rare beast when it comes to Wellington. Injuries, suspensions and international commitments have played a significant hand but only six times this season has coach Ricki Herbert put out the same team in consecutive weeks.

The team that dismantled the Melbourne Victory 2-0 on Wednesday should start again today against Central Coast and Herbert would do well to stick with most of these guys (Jade North will return from international duty and Paul Ifill could recover from injury) for the remainder of the season.

Players build confidence when they know they will be picked rather than playing with some fear because they worry about their place in the side.

Hope for no more off-field controversies
Terry Serepisos deserves plaudits for what he has done to save professional football in this country but he also needs help. There is continual nervousness around the fortunes, so to speak, of the cash-strapped owner of the Phoenix and it's hoped nothing more comes to light as the race for the playoffs hots up.

He's scrambled to pay hefty ACC, tax and Wellington City Council rates bills, which will all be an annual challenge, as well as having struggled to pay Herbert and other staff.

As much as the players and coaching staff might not admit it, it has been difficult as they wonder if they will be paid next month. A proposed restructure, which could see fans given the chance to invest, might give the club a much-needed but ultimately short-term cash injection.

Keep it clean
Wellington have had a dreadful time at the back all season. They have conceded 35 goals in 23 games, which compares poorly with last season (29 goals in 27 games). They have looked more solid in recent weeks, including two clean sheets in their last three games, and the good form of Ben Sigmund and return from injury of left back Tony Lochhead will help. Confidence in the defence allows the strikers to play with more freedom and that has been reflected in the fact they've scored seven goals in those three games.