Soccer: Macallister wants to stay on target

Dylan Macallister. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington Phoenix striker Dylan Macallister is looking for more of the same - from himself and his teammates - as the A-League hopefuls strive to shift their drive toward the playoffs up a gear.

The Phoenix play Melbourne Victory here tomorrow night looking to maintain the good form that has brought them a 4-0 win over Newcastle and a 1-1 draw against North Queensland in their past two outings.

Those games were particularly important for big striker Macallister, who found the back of the net on both occasions.

"The last few weeks I've been back in the team and the goals have been going in so I'm really enjoying my football at the moment," he said today.

"It was frustrating for me for a while, I wasn't getting too many minutes and I just concentrated on working hard and staying focused. That's paying dividends so I'm looking forward to getting back on the pitch on Wednesday night and having another big game."

While Macallister is pleased to be doing what strikers are meant to do, he credits consistency throughout the team as integral to the Phoenix's lift in form.

"Things are going well for us all over the pitch. We're consistent, we're working hard to not concede goals and they're going in up front. We've been very strong in the midfield and we're getting goals from players there as well.

"Having (injured striker) Paul Ifill out is a big loss but I think it's shown the depth we have in the squad. The last few weeks we've all stepped up and taken four points from six without him in two quite tough games."

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has indicated Tony Lochhead will start at left back against Melbourne after fully recovering from a groin injury.

Skipper Andrew Durante will return at centre back alongside Ben Sigmund as a straight swap for Jade North, who is on duty for Australia at the Asian Cup in Qatar.

What Herbert has yet to decide on is the composition of his attacking line.

With specialist strikers Macallister and Chris Greenacre full of confidence, Herbert has a pleasant dilemma to ponder.

"I love playing alongside Greenie and I think we work well together," Macallister said.

"So whether Ricki goes for two strikers up front on Wednesday night or only one will be a tough call. It's great that we can give the coach those sorts of headaches. That's want we want as professional footballers."

Wellington sit in seventh position on the ladder, with Victory fifth.

Sandwiched between them are Melbourne Heart although both Wellington and the Victory have games in hand on them as the race for the top six heats up.

"Victory are a great side and they're coming on strong now just like we are," Macallister said.

- NZPA